June Fanaiza Brown, age 84, of Fort Washington, Maryland

June Fanaiza Williams Thompson Brown, Age 84, of Fort Washington, Maryland, peacefully transitioned on September 3, 2024, at the Med Star Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton, MD.

June was born in the District of Columbia on June 8, 1940, to the late Daniel and Ida Mae Williams-Woods. She was the eldest of nine siblings born to this union at Freedman's Hospital in Washington, DC. June attended public schools in the District of Columbia as part of her foundational education in her early adolescent years. Later, her parents relocated to Charles County, Maryland, to the notorious "Stuckey Road," where she attended Pomokey High School and pursued her college education at the Eastern Shore. From an early age, June committed herself to Christ and joined her family church, Smith Chapel United Methodist Church in Pisgah, MD. June's role as an early leader was clear as she became the first of nine children to lead the way for her younger siblings, motivating them to pursue their aspirations.

June's love for her family was a feeling and a guiding force in her life. She proudly stood as the second of four generations of Debutantes, following in her mother's celebrated footsteps. Drawing from her own experiences, she wholeheartedly encouraged and supported her daughter, Tonya "Toni," in becoming a debutante. This encouraging spirit extended to her granddaughter, who embraced the tradition, ensuring their cherished family legacy continued.  Throughout her teenage years, June consistently asserted her role as the oldest sibling, taking on the responsibility of caring for her younger brothers and sisters. She made it clear that she was in charge, regardless of who her parents entrusted with their care, including her cherished Aunt Helen (Mickey). Despite this, Aunt Mickey often reminded June that, as a family member, she was not her boss but the aunt in charge. Early in June's life, she showed that she took her responsibilities seriously and would assert herself as the one leading the charge. June was known for her strong work ethic and determination to achieve her goals at an early age in every area of her life.

June is lovingly remembered as the eldest, having been the first to experience many milestones. Her travels included a memorable visit to Paris, France, and Germany and multiple cruises that took her worldwide. She returned from her travels with pride, opening doors for her siblings to explore beyond the boundaries of Charles County and showing them the vast world that lay beyond.

With two young children, Charles 'Chuckie' and Tonya 'Toni,' June was driven to pursue the highest quality experiences for herself and her family. She relocated to West Tantallon, in Ft. Washington, MD., where she was among a small percentage of mid-class African American families during that period. At home, she often organized family gatherings, reunions, weddings, and dinners for her cherished loved ones and friends. All the young nieces and grandchildren could be seen adorning themselves with Aunt June/Neenee's impressive donut hat collection. She owned one in every color to match her hair for the day; she would say, "I'm in between hair appointments, so I just put on my donut hat." June treasured her home and appreciated all the modern details. She fondly noted that her home stood out in the neighborhood and was right by the Country Club where; she had resided for more than 50 years.

After completing her education, June began her secretarial career with the U.S. Veterans Administration. She later broadened her professional journey by taking on a role as an EEO Specialist with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, where she achieved the rank of GS 13. After nearly 36 years of dedicated service, she retired as a third-generation government worker. She was the first among her siblings to enter government service, inspiring several of them to follow in her footsteps. June often expressed her pride in the fact that her mother and daughter were the only third generation to serve in the Commission's history, cherishing the opportunity to share that legacy.

After retirement, June refused to remain idle; she frequently expressed that life is too precious not to engage with the time GOD actively gave her. June discovered the specifics of loan processing and took on the role of an advocate dedicated to educating others about the attainability and possibility of homeownership through the right tools and knowledge. June also took an interest in the Travel Business, Surge 365, where she was dubbed "Mama June" and mentored by Coach Loyed, Scot Tomer, Jeanie Sharpless, and others who became fond of her.

She looked forward to staying informed about the latest news and events, ensuring she could converse with others on various topics. June embraced the journey of learning throughout her life. Once she understood the social media movement, it significantly broadened her perspective and knowledge, allowing her to stay informed about the events involving her family, both near and far away.  Alongside her many commitments, she devoted time to serve in three nonprofit organizations: the Southern County Economic Development Association (SCEDA), where she took on the roles of Board Member, Secretary, and Membership Committee Member, and Southern County Income Development LLC (SCIED), in addition to the Pomonkey High School Alumni Scholarship fund.

Amidst all of June's achievements, there was one aspect of life she had no interest in exploring, and she proudly declared it: she was neither a cook nor a coffee maker, and she was happy to share this with anyone and everyone. Even though June didn't cook or make coffee, she enjoyed a delicious meal or an aromatic cup of coffee. Once, she looked forward to her son Chuckies return home from abroad, hoping he would teach her how to brew coffee. At this point, we still find ourselves unsure if she reached the goal she set. She cherished the recipes her daughter "Toni" would prepare and share with her from the large family dinners she prepared at home. Even though June wasn't the best in the kitchen, she had a knack for discovering hidden gems in the neighborhood, connecting with their owners and employees, and transforming them into beloved gathering spots for her friends and family. Her top three favorite places were the Ranch House in Oxon Hill, MD, Proud Mary's in Fort Washington, MD, and Darrahs in Fort Washington, MD. If her loved ones were to visit her house and she wasn't around, they may find her at these locations.

June was affectionately known by her friends and loved ones as Peaches and named NeeNee by her eldest granddaughter, later Mama June, by her church and travel family.

Throughout her life on earth, June actively engaged with Washington Unity, Choir & Chorus, and the Thomas Dorsey Choir and Conference, alongside her Aunt Helen and her late sister Jeryle, for a remarkable span of 50 years.  She participated in the choir and subsequently became a member of their nurse's ministry. Throughout her life, she attended various churches while living in different places, including Mt. Saini Baptist Church under Dr. David Durham, where she served as a Sunday school teacher and sang in the choir. She even helped the nurses, by dressing in her nurse's outfit in case her assistance was required. She subsequently participated in services at Le Detroit Baptist Church in Oxon Hill, MD, under the guidance of Pastor Cortez Davis and Pastor Wayne K. Bumbry. She served as a Trustee and participated in various Ministries during this time.

June had heard so much about Victory Chapel, now known as Victory Church, from her daughter that she felt compelled to explore it for herself and genuinely sensed a calling to join under the Spiritual guidance and covering of Pastor Kevin and Wanda Ross. June sat at the back of the church, ready to welcome everyone who passed by. Her voice was light and sweet, and her smile could brighten any space. June frequently contributed to Bible studies, imparting her insights and sharing her experiences, openly expressing how wonderful her life was, attributing it all to JESUS. June would also be seen on Facebook Live during the service when she could no longer attend church in person, leaving comments and likes so her church family would know she was present and praising!

June was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, James D. Williams, Jeryle Williams (Emerson) Dorsey, Joyce Diane, Jerome M. (Wanda), John B., Jeffery R. (Sandra), and Rev. Jacques D. (Mary) Williams.

She departs, leaving cherished memories behind Aunt Helen, affectionately known as Aunt Mickey, her cherished baby sister Jocelyn (Alan), her son Charles (Laquisia), her daughter Tonya (Gregory), her stepsister Queen Woods Nivels, along with her grandchildren Cheri L, Chavon F, Avanti (Alex) Charles F. III, Ashlee D., Armanni D., Aaron T., Brittney (Anthony), Keona, Furman, and Asia.

Great-grandchildren Jermain, Leilani, Ali, Xavier T., Kylie, Tatianna L., Marz, Sir, Disaya, Dekari, and Khelani, along with numerous nieces, great-nieces, great-great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-great-nephews, cousins, and extended family members and friends.  A beloved sister friend, Shirley Wigglesworth, and her friend and travel partner, Rev. Avis Styles.

Although June will be deeply missed, her family and friends are genuinely grateful for the 84 years that God has blessed us with her presence. June would often wrap up her calls with, "Ciao for now," so we say to you, our beloved June/Mama/Auntie/NeeNee/ and Friend, "Ciao for now"!

Her Viewing will be 9:00 am until time of Service, 11:00 am, Saturday, September 21, 2024, Carolina Church, 9901 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744.  Interment, Heritage Memorial Cemetery, 13472 Poplar Hill Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601.