June Gail Baima

A holy woman of God, her name was “June Gail” because she was born in June, 1934, during a hurricane. She was raised in a poor rural New Jersey household. Forced to leave home on her 18th birthday, at age 19, she eloped with her roommate’s brother.

June had many accomplishments. She was a violist, playing in a church orchestra as an adult. June was a gifted oil and watercolor artist. She was a Red Cross volunteer. June was trained as a nurse and loved the nursing profession. For over 15 years, she was a nationally ranked masters swimmer, and currently holds 10 Georgia masters records. June became a nationally recognized swim instructor. One of her greatest joys was teaching adults to swim.

Her pride and joy were her children, to whom she dedicated the best years of her life. June read to her children from the time they were born, instilling into them a love of reading and learning. Although she never attended college, all three of her children earned advanced degrees. She instilled a lifelong love for Christ in both of her sons.

June loved God’s Word. She began each new year by reading through the entire Bible as quickly as she could. June did this nearly 60 times over the course of her life. She diligently studied the Bible, developing an encyclopedic understanding of it. It was not uncommon for her to privately and gently correct pastors who misquoted the Bible.

Above all, June was a passionate lover of Jesus Christ and of people. She actively sought opportunities to demonstrate to others – in word and deed - they were loved by her and by God. June was an effective evangelist and public speaker. She initiated and led many women’s Bible studies and prayer groups. June particularly had a heart for younger women, discipling many to become spiritual pillars in their households and church communities.

June is survived by her three children, Karen, John, and Bob, five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Monday, November 11, 2024 at 10 o’clock at First Baptist Church of Atlanta, 4400 North Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody, GA 30338. Interment will follow at Arlington Memorial Park.