Marion June Wilbourne

Marion June Wilbourne, an eccentric yet remarkable woman, peacefully stepped into the presence of the Lord from her home in Richmond, Virginia on February 26, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family and friends.

June, as she was called by all but a few “friends” willing to endure her scolding for using her first name Marion, was born in Akron, Ohio on June 4, 1929, and was raised during the Great Depression. It was during those tough years June developed a deep sense of resilience, determination and family commitment, forging a strong woman who would go on to inspire all who knew her.

She married the “love of her life”, Richard (“Dick”) Wilbourne after eloping to Newport. Kentucky and remained married to Dick for 63 years until his death in 2011.

June was always an active member of her Ohio Baptist Churches for more than 60 years until moving to Virginia in 2012. She finished her church-going years as a member of Grove Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond, VA - just as she had planned - with her family and friends! She was often visited by the pastor after his Sunday sermon and always embraced her extended family who affectionately referred to her as “Mama June” - a.k.a., the “Hat Lady”.

She is survived by her two loving children: Richard M. Wilbourne and Gay W. Turner and Gay’s husband Slator; a sister-in-law, Linda Morris; four grandchildren: Amy Guy and her husband Daniel, Brett Osterhout and his wife Kacy, Charles Wilbourne and his wife Karey, Jennifer Vaseck and her husband Russ; eight great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

June was predeceased by her devoted husband, her parents, Earl and Lucille (Dodson) Lacefield and, as she approached her 97th birthday, by most of her Ohio friends and contemporary family members.

Some of June’s greatest joys were her 32 years as Secretary for the Swanton, Ohio Middle and High Schools, her outings to attend craft shows, especially antique stores, with her dear friends from church and, wearing her once fashionable hats at Sunday morning church service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Virginia: 2235 Staples Mill Road, Suite 100, Richmond VA 23230; whose loving care aided June through her last days. The donation website is, “www.HospiceofVirginia.com/donate”.

June Wilbourne was a strong woman with a devout love for God and His Son Jesus Christ. Some of her last spoken words expressed this love for God and a desire for her family to experience the eternal peace that comes from accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. She will be dearly missed.

The family will receive friends at Grove Avenue Baptist Church, 8701 Ridge Road, Richmond VA 23229, on April 11, 2026, beginning with visitation at 10:00 AM and followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM.