June Iveane (Payne) Curell

June Iveane (Payne) Curell passed away December 23, 2021 surrounded by her family and embraced by her Lord’s presence.  She was born on April 30, 1928 to her late parents, Ivan and Grace (Hall) Payne in Brown City, Michigan. She was preceded in death by brothers, Lyle Payne and Dale Payne and sister, Twyla Wedge.  She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Lawrence Curell; her daughters, Loretta (Thomas) Irion of Livermore, California; Lorena (John) Pearson of Jonesboro, Indiana; Angela (Thomas) Ferkinhoff of Richmond, Indiana; Dawn Iveane Curell of Silverwood, Michigan; and Charla Johnson of Caro, Michigan, her grandchildren, Jathan (Elisabeth) Schmidt, Zachary Schmidt, Carly (Tommy) Irion-Chipman, Janna (Simon) Capps, John II (Stacie) Pearson, Christina (Adam) Coffin, Ashley (Felix) Ferkinhoff-Jiang and Lesley (Wesley) Freeman, her  great-grandchildren,Paxton and Jaron Schmidt; Gavin and Cason Capps; Abigail, Hannah and Johnny Pearson; Caleb and Catherine Coffin; and Bowen and Payne Freeman and her brother-in-law, Kenneth Wedge.

June grew up on a country farm during The Great Depression and walked miles to a one-room schoolhouse.  She graduated in 1946 from Brown City High School as valedictorian.  In her younger adult years she worked as a bank teller, Chrysler secretary, and missionary in the Michigan UP.  She married Lawrence Ford Curell on July 5, 1958.  For years, she voluntarily served in her local church in leadership roles and music as she honored her Lord.  She enjoyed God’s creation and expressing her creative abilities through sewing, crafting, gardening, cooking, baking and, in her later years, painting.  In addition, she raised five daughters while co-managing a 140-acre farm.   

June overcame various obstacles and thrived throughout her whole life.  She dedicated herself to the well-being of her husband and five daughters.  Her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the love of her life.   

Donations in June's honor can be made to Make a Wish Foundation, one of her favorite charities.  

The family will be present for visitation on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, 3:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at the North Branch Wesleyan Church. On Thursday, December 30, 2021, visitation for June will be 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. with funeral service at 11:00 A.M. at the North Branch Wesleyan Church. Pastor John Main will officiate. June will be laid to rest at West Deerfield Cemetery.

You may share an online condolence to the family at www.blackburnchapel.com

Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home

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