June Ellen Locklear, 74, of Lumberton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, ready to join her Heavenly Father and be reunited with those she loved most. She leaves behind a legacy not measured in titles or accolades, though she earned many, but in the thousands of children whose lives were made better because she refused to look the other way.

Born on May 13, 1951, in Hamlet, North Carolina, to Clenard “Bo” and Gussie Bell Locklear, June grew up between two worlds. Her family moved to Baltimore when she was an infant, and then later returned to Pembroke, North Carolina, during her junior year of high school. That return to her roots would shape everything that followed. In 1976, June graduated with honors from Pembroke State University and would soon step into a career that would quietly become her life’s calling.

A MOTHER’S COURAGE

June was, above all, a mother. In 1976, she made the courageous decision to leave Robeson County and relocate to Raleigh, North Carolina, to build a better life for her daughter, Kimberly. The path June chose for her family was not an easy path, but it was the right one. She worked tirelessly—not for recognition, but to create opportunities for her daughter. June’s resilience and unwavering dedication were the foundation of her family and the essence of who she was as a mother. Through her example, she instilled the values of hard work, gratitude, and an appreciation for the blessings of life.

A LIFE OF SERVICE

In 1976, June began what would become a remarkable, three-decade career devoted to the children and families of North Carolina. She started with the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs through the Title XX Program, first as an Administrative Assistant and later as Director. In that role, she helped establish some of the first state-licensed daycare centers in Native communities—driven by a belief that every child deserves a safe place to learn and grow.

Building on her work and experience, in 1980, her work continued with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, where she dedicated years to the Child Day Care Program, advancing through numerous roles before retiring as Assistant Director. She didn’t just occupy those positions. Instead, she used them to drive real change. One of her proudest contributions was helping develop and implement North Carolina’s statewide star-rated childcare system—a model that continues to shape the quality of early childhood care across the state today.

Even retirement couldn’t slow her down. June returned home to Robeson County in 2012, to be near her granddaughters and continued her advocacy through the Robeson County Partnership for Children, serving as board member, Chair, and Assistant Executive Director. When she retired from that role, she stayed on the board for several more years. That was June. She was never able to walk away from the things that mattered.

FAITH AND COMMUNITY

June’s love for others was deeply rooted in her faith. At Harpers Ferry Baptist Church, she served with joy—leading GA’s, working with WMU, and participating in various outreach ministries. She had a gift for making children feel seen, loved, and encouraged, whether from the church pews on Sunday morning or in the quiet moments of everyday life.

THE JOYS THAT FILLED HER HEART

Beyond her work, June cherished the people and places that brought her happiness. She enjoyed traveling with her sisters and close friends, with Hawaii and Italy holding a special place in her heart. But her greatest joy was her family—watching her granddaughters grow, laughing with her sisters, cherishing moments playing with her great-nieces, and being surrounded by the people she loved most.

THOSE SHE LEAVES BEHIND

June is survived by her loving daughter, Kimberly S. Hunt of Pembroke, NC; three beautiful granddaughters, Jaylan Hunt, Ryleigh Hunt, and Kyndall Hunt; three sisters, Joan C. Soriano of California, Virginia McMahon of Hawaii, and Jeannie Hammond (Arnold) of Lumberton, NC; two close friends, BJ Farmer of Raleigh, Vickie Shell of Tennessee, and special friend Mary B. Hunt; and a host of dear nephews, nieces, family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clenard and Gussie Locklear; her brother, Perry Angus Locklear; her nephew Felino Willie Soriano and her closest friend, Peggy J. Revels.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers, Shelina Clark and Catina Anderson, and the entire staff at HealthKeeperz Hospice for the compassionate, loving care they provided to June and her family.

The family welcomes flowers or donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of June E. Locklear.

Her legacy is not only found in the programs she helped build, but in the lives she touched, the children she championed, and the community she helped uplift.