June Ella Bourke Martin

June Ella Bourke Martin, 81, passed away Sunday April 17, 2011 at St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be 5-7pm today at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home on High Street in Jackson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00am Wednesday at St. Mary’s Basilica in Natchez, MS, preceded by visitation at 9am. Burial will be in Natchez City Cemetery.

June was born June 23, 1929 in Natchez, MS to Nettie Lee Jones Bourke and James Robert Bourke; preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry E. Martin, siblings, Odell (Doc), Elizabeth (Dovie), Roberta (Bobbie), Margaret, Edward, and Freddy Ferguson, James, Robert (Sonny), Nursie, and Floyd Bourke.

She is survived by her daughter, Leann Martin Smith (Chuck) of Brandon, MS, and son Michael H. Martin of Raymond, MS., and beloved grandson, Joshua Michael Martin. Step-daughters, Sherry Martin Hanson of Natchez, MS and her children Sarah and Scott Hanson, and Gina Martin O’Brien (Tom) of Leawood, KS.

June was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Basilica until her move in 2002 to live her remaining years with her children. She was a long-time employee of Burn’s Shoe Store in Natchez, MS.

Her loves in life were her many nieces and nephews, and all of her “children” she thought of as her own. She loved flowers, travel and any adventure that came her way. Her sense of humor and laughter were infectuous. She never met a stranger and everyone was welcome at her table where many delicious meals were enjoyed.

She was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, conrtibutions may be made to the Audubon Society or the Community Animal Rescue Association of Jackson, MS.

For on-line condolences go to www.wrightferguson.com.