June (Turner) Martin

June Turner Martin passed away peacefully in Mercy hospice care on August 1, 2023. She was born June 10, 1939 to Willard W. and Mollie Banning Turner. She is survived by one daughter, Tanya Martin of Fayetteville; two sons, Emmett Neal (Leslie) of Fort Smith and Ron (Kris) of Mountain Home; six grandchildren, Hunter Blevins (Wyatt), Natalie Cole (Robert), Nicole Montez (Aaron), Nicholas Martin, Josh and Hannah Freeman; a bonus daughter, Anne Skinner; and two great-grandchildren, Hazel Neighbors and Eleanor Montez. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 57 years, Emmett Cornelius Martin; two sons Darrell Wayne Martin and David Martin; and two brothers Harold Turner and Jacky Turner.

She was a faithful member of Saint Boniface Catholic Church. Her entire career was devoted to working in the medical field. She was the business manager for the Sparks Radiology Group for over 30 years. When the group departed, she became the Director of Specialties at Holt Krock Clinic. June was highly recognized for her management skills and many considered her a “pioneer” when it came to women in a position of leadership in the medical community of Fort Smith. She served as National President of the Radiology Business Manager Association and received numerous awards and certifications related to her profession. She loved spending time with family, especially during the holidays always hosting a big Christmas Eve gathering. As a family, they loved spending time outdoors together. She loved going to the lake and fishing. Her and Emmett loved to go to Mountain Home to trout fish. She was a wonderful cook but could never seem to be able to bake bread. It became an ongoing family inside joke. She was strong in her Catholic faith and leaned on it during difficult times.

The family would like to give their sincere thanks and gratitude to all the care givers at Mercy, especially the ICU and Hospice care teams. A memorial service will be held 9 a.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials can be made to any local church or Fort Smith Animal Haven. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.