June Lee Matthis Pearson
June Lee Matthis Pearson, of Apex, NC, passed away peacefully at home on March 20th, 2022, with her husband, John Pearson, by her side.
Born in Turkey, NC, on June 1st, 1944, she was the daughter of the late William Adolphus Matthis and Agnes Lee Holland. June was also preceded in death by her stepfather Luby Warren.
June was a proud graduate of Dunn High School and went on to graduate from UNCG in 1966. She later completed an internship at Duke University and became a Registered Dietician in 1967. After her time at Duke, she worked in the NC State University Extension Division and later as a research dietician at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem. John’s cousin Ruby Uzzle, also at the NCSU Extension Division, introduced June to John. They experienced love at first sight and got married six weeks later on December 22, 1967, in Dunn, NC. They always enjoyed telling the story about a blue spark that jumped between their noses during their first kiss at the end of the first date.
June cherished memories from times spent visiting the Holland farm in Turkey; she fondly remembered cracking pecans and tying up tobacco leaves with her grandfather. Dancing was a big part of Warren family life, and she told many stories about good times at Williams Lake Dance Club in Sampson County, NC. She was a lifelong fan of NC State basketball and loved watching ACC games.
Being a mother and grandmother was important to her. She volunteered in her children’s classrooms and supported the athletic and artistic activities of all her children and grandchildren. June loved horses and spent many happy years traveling for shows with Michelle and John. Their travels allowed her to see much of the country and create lifelong friendships. She stayed in touch with her many cousins throughout her life, and always looked forward to the Matthis Family Christmas Reunion.
June is survived by her husband of 54 years, John William Pearson; son Kent Pearson and his wife Martha; their children Ben and Forest; son Brad Pearson and his wife Sherri; their children Avera and William; son Mike Pearson and his wife Stacy; their children Owen and Aiden; daughter Michelle Pearson; brother Luby Ray Warren and his wife Jan; their children Caroline and Joseph, and their families; and many Matthis and Holland cousins.
Towards the end of her life, she lived with cardiac and pulmonary issues but refused to let that define her. She beat the odds for many years, retaining her clever wit until the very end. Her unexpected jokes and impish humor were a bright light on cloudy days, and she was an inspiration.
The family is planning a private Celebration of Life in April and requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association in her name.