June Marie Barnette Sands

June Marie Barnette Sands took her final journey in the early morning hours of Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, in Tallahassee, FL. June was born October 28, 1935 in Deland, FL to Ralph and Mary Frank Barnette. The family moved to Quincy, FL soon thereafter, and finally to Tallahassee when June was in the 11th grade. An accomplished musician, June played trombone at Leon High School and was a Marching Chief at Florida State University. She married Thomas Sands in 1955. They moved to Atlanta, GA, where Tom worked for Southern Bell Telephone. There they had two children, Tom Jr. and Valerie. Sadly, Tom Sr. was killed in an Army airplane accident in 1964, after having rejoined the Army. Widowed at the age of 28, with two young children, June moved back home to Tallahassee to be closer to family. She re-enrolled at FSU and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She spent the majority of her career at Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee as a psychiatric social worker. Upon her retirement, she indulged her hobbies of spending time at the beach, crafting, crocheting, and enjoying time with her many friends and family. To know June was to love her. Her tender mercies were given to countless people, from clients to friends and to family. Her radiant smile and Christmas parties were legend. June is survived by her children, Tom Sands, Jr. and Valerie Weeks (John), niece Erika Waldeck (Brad Ilowit) and great-nephew Wiley Ilowit, great-niece Nicole Guzzardo (Justin), grandchildren Holly Meyer (Steve), Charles Weeks (Jennifer) and Patty Weeks, great-grandchildren Kaitlyn and Amberlyn Weeks, and Ariel and Haylee Carter, and Bonus Niece, Joyce Murray. She was pre-deceased by her parents, her sisters Mary Barnette Waldeck and Carol Barnette, and her husband Thomas F. Sands, Sr. A special thanks to Covenant Hospice and the staff caregivers at Tapestry Senior Living for their loving care of June the past few years. A celebration of June’s life will be held at Bevis Funeral Home, 200 John Knox Road, on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Flowers are welcome, but if you prefer, please donate to your favorite charity. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

June Marie Barnette Sands

October 28, 1935 - April 9, 2023