Anita June Perrigan

June was born on December 28, 1927, in Memphis, TN, to her devoted parents, Eurace Vivian and Felecia Mae Pettigrew. At the age of five, her family relocated to Jackson, TN, where she spent her formative years. Her parents instilled in her a deep love for music, and she became an accomplished pianist, winning numerous competitions during her childhood. They also nurtured her spirituality, a love for God that would remain with her throughout her life.

In 1945, June graduated from Jackson High, and in 1947, she married her love, William Murray (Bill) Perrigin. They moved to New Jersey, where Bill served as an FBI special agent in New York City for the next 18 years. June supported Bill and enjoyed attending many Broadway musicals during their time in New Jersey. It was in New Jersey where June and Bill were blessed with the birth of all three sons.

In 1967, the family returned to Jackson, TN where June continued to love and nurture her family. Her love extended to her community especially for children with special needs. She served as Director of the West Tennessee Cerebral Palsy Center. June played a pivotal role in organizing the annual telethon held in Jackson, garnering support from celebrities and sports personalities. After earning her master’s in special education from Memphis State University in 1969, she established and led the special needs educational program at the Arlington Developmental Center. She later served as an administrator at the Jackson Parks and Recreation Department. June concluded her public service career as a Special Education Coordinator with the TN Department of Education. June served multiple Tennessee Governors on the Commission on Youth & Children. Even after her retirement in 1997, she continued to advocate for underrepresented and vulnerable children as a CASA volunteer.

In addition to her professional pursuits, June pursued her love of music, especially musical theater. She actively participated in the Jackson Theatre Guild, Lambuth Theatre, and founded the Barbershop Belles, performing at various venues in Jackson. She also served as the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority Director at Lambuth College.

June was deeply involved in her church communities, contributing her angelic voice to the choirs of Forest Heights United Methodist and First Cumberland Presbyterian.

June and Bill celebrated 64 years of marriage before her beloved husband's passing in 2011. She remained in their Jackson home until 2015, rotating between the homes of her sons until she settled in Crossville, TN, where she peacefully passed away, surrounded by family.

June is survived by her three cherished sons: Dale and his wife Page of Orlando, FL, along with their three children, Nathan, Julie, and Bethany; Glen and his wife Dianne of Tallahassee, FL, and their three children, Chris, James, and William; Keith and his wife Julie of Brentwood, TN, with their four children, Sara, Anna, William, and Elissa. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, with more to come.

A Celebration of Life service to honor Anita June Perrigan will be held on Saturday, September 16, at 1 pm at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. Private entombment will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects beginning at noon, one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Cumberland County, 30 East Adams Street, Crossville, TN, 38555.

May the sweet memory of June Perrigan be eternal.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Perrigan family.