June Thurman Ackerman

June Thurman Ackerman was born on August 27, 1927, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at the age of 98. She grew up in Chattanooga, where she began a long and distinguished career in fashion that spanned more than five decades. Starting as a clerk at Loveman’s, she advanced to buyer for the French Room at Miller Bros. and retired as Vice President of Proffit’s Department Store. Her work allowed her to travel the world, and she embraced life with enthusiasm and grace.

In 1958, June married Julius Hobbs, and they made their home in Chattanooga. After Julius’s death in 1989, she moved to Maryville, Tennessee. There she later met Dr. Ora Ackerman, and they were married in 1997. The couple shared 21 joyful years together filled with family, church, friends, love, and travel until Ora’s passing in 2018. June and Ora were longtime members of West Emory Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, where the congregation remained a source of comfort and connection during her later years.

June served on numerous boards and committees supporting the arts and philanthropic causes in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Maryville. She was deeply committed to giving back and held a special place in her heart for the Chilhowee Club of Maryville and its members.

She is survived by her niece Linda Stooksbury and husband Kenneth, stepdaughter Cindy Ackerman and her family (Tim, Nikki, Jayden), great-nieces Jill Fairbanks and husband Todd with their daughter Jasmine, and Jami Aylor and husband Joseph with their children Maci, Riley, and Jackson. June also leaves behind cherished friends Doug and Teresa Horn, George and Dianne Cservak, Kim Emery, and her neighbors at Royal Oaks. Her family and friends will remember her vibrant spirit, her love of fashion and travel, and her generous heart.