June F. Whitley

A devoted wife, an attentive mother, a doting grandmother. A woman that was a force to be reckoned with. Her wit was sharp with a bite of honesty. Her humor and bright spirit would melt even the coldest heart. June Francis Whitely was an enchanting being, an angel who was carried home March 26, 2016.

June Francis Whitley was born to Everett and Vera Abernathy in San Angelo, TX on June 16, 1936. She married her high school sweetheart, Lewis Whitley, in 1955 in Pittsburg, CA. To this union three children were born, Dion, Tanya and Lewis Kevin. They moved to Las Vegas in 1958 where she became a member of Second Baptist Church.

She began her 25 year career with Centel Telephone Company in 1963, where she held various management positions including Operator Supervisor and Assistant Manager of the Training and Public Affairs Office.

June was appointed to the Nevada Board of Regents in 1979. She became the first female and first black Chairman of the Board in 1987 where she dedicated much of her time fighting to improve the educational system which she valued greatly. She was consistently an active member of the community.

June was preceded in death by her parents Everett and Vera Abernathy and daughter Dion Whitely Simpson. She leaves behind her loving husband of 60 years, Lewis Whitley. Her daughter Tanya (Stanley) Williams, her son Lewis Kevin (Hilda) Whitley Jr and son-in-law Rafus Simpson. Six grandchildren: Eboni (Walter) James, Crystal Whitley, Enosha (Anduwan) Jackson, Jacque (Dellisa) Williams, Shebora Whitley and TashiWhitley. Ten great-grandchildren. All of Las Vegas, NV. Two second cousins: Carolyn Hendrix of Anitoch, CA and Harriett Matthews of Pittsburg, CA. and a host of family and friends.