June Gregson Gregory

June Gregson Gregory, of Greensboro, NC, died peacefully on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Fun-loving and gregarious, June lived life to the fullest. Always surrounded by family and friends, she “never met a stranger”. She was passionate about art and travel, loved to entertain and was devoted to the Episcopal Church.

June was born in Elizabeth City, NC, and grew up at Osborne Landing on the James River in Varina, VA. June was the third of five children born to Clyde Fitch (“Greg”) Gregson and Leona Munden Gregson. She graduated from St. Anne’s Episcopal School in Charlottesville, VA in 1955. At St. Anne’s, June was May Queen and president of the student body. She graduated from Salem College in 1959, majoring in English and Education. During her years at Salem, she was “Miss IRS” (Miss “I Represent Salem”).

June married Eugene (“Gene”) Edward Smith in March 1959. They had three daughters: Sidney, Suzanne, and Cabell. June and Gene later divorced. In 1973, June married John Tillery Gregory IV (“John T.”).

June is survived by her sister, Diane Gregson; her daughters Sidney Falken (Dan), Suzanne Mullins (Rob), and Cabell Gregory; her stepchildren, Lou Moeller (Mark) and Johnny Gregory; and nine grandchildren: Hannah Hunt Moeller; Ellie Redal Moeller; Sam and Grace Falken; Caroline Mullins; and Anne Tillery, Fitch, Lucy, and Aubrey Melson.

She is preceded in death by her loving spouse of forty-seven years, John T., her parents, and three of her siblings: John Gregson, Clydie Dabney, and Peggy Harrelson.

June had a special love for her church and her community. She was actively involved in the Episcopal Church as a vestry member of Holy Trinity in Greensboro, NC, and as president of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) at the diocesan and state levels. June also served at the national level of the ECW as a member of the National Church’s Episcopal Diocesan Ecumenical Board and the National Episcopal Social Justice Board. She was a member of the standing committee and attended four national conventions representing the diocese of North Carolina.

Locally, June served on the board of Gateway Education Center (Cerebral Palsy School) and delivered Mobile Meals for over forty years. She also served on the boards of the Penick Home in Southern Pines, the Thompson Children’s Home, and the Episcopal Camp and Conference Center of NC. In addition, June was a member of the Friday Afternoon Club, the Wednesday Afternoon Book Club, the Historical Book Club of North Carolina, the Greensboro Lecture League, the Pine Needles Garden Club, the Junior League of Greensboro, the Debutante Club of Greensboro and the Kirkwood Book Club.

June was a fool for travel --- personal favorites were France, Italy, Croatia, Burma, Thailand, and Morocco. Over the years, her travels led to many brushes with fame and stories she loved to share. She met (and, in some cases, literally bumped into!) celebrities ranging from Tuesday Weld to François Mitterrand and Dustin Hoffman. She had the pleasure of introducing Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu at an event in Los Angeles and drinking wine on the Spanish Steps in Rome with Tennessee Williams. During the weekend of Super Bowl III in 1969, June entertained three Apollo astronauts along with Joe Namath, Bob Hope and Robert Goulet. She also claimed she saw a UFO in 1982, yet another moment of serendipity in what can only be described as a very colorful – and wonderful – life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church or your favorite charity. A funeral service and celebration of June’s life will be held at 11:30AM, Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro, NC, with a reception to follow.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm chapel is assisting the Gregory family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.