June Ector

June was born among the orange groves in Waverly, Florida, on June 14, 1931, the daughter of Charlotte Sarah Clark Thompson and Neal Ralph Thompson. She grew up in nearby Babson Park with her mother and stepfather, Arthur Henry Stafford. 

 Even in elementary school, June was athletic and a leader. At Waverly High School, she excelled in sports and served on the school newspaper. She chose to go to Erskine (Associate Reformed Presbyterian) College in tiny Due West, SC. There she heard lectures from respected professors. June wrote to her mom that she had never heard anything like what these theologians were offering their students. In touching letters, June said she wished her mom could hear what she was hearing.

 While there, June continued her sports, even considering a major in Physical Education. At five feet and one-half inch, she was captain of the basketball team, “lettering every year.” In fact, in her freshman year, it was on the tennis court that she met Ralph Ector from Georgia, a former Marine in his sophomore year. June changed her major to stay at Erskine. 

 It was in those years that June came to trust in Jesus. She and Ralph were married days after her graduation. Her time at Erskine and her love for Ralph set the rest of her life. 

 June supported Ralph in his promising career at Southern Bell and through many moves in few years. She bore, loved, and molded four children into caring, responsible adults. 

 During that time, she served as a Sunday school teacher, planned and taught Vacation Bible School, acted as a church camp counselor, youth leader, Circle Chairman, and choir member in their churches. As her family grew older, June made close friends with many younger women and became a mentor. 

 June volunteered at Heart to Heart, a ministry to victims of crimes. For nearly two decades she served as a Precinct Judge for every Election Day, including primaries and run-offs. 

 Ralph and June loved the St. Giles small group they belonged to for many years. The members were their dearest friends. They spent many vacations together in the mountains and especially at the beach making wonderful memories. 

 At sixty years old, after turning her ankle, members of the church softball team pleaded with her to return as their best pitcher. Several years later she did return to sports by way of the Senior Games. She played badminton and ran track, among other activities. June especially loved basketball. She traveled regularly with her team to tournaments, consistently bringing home medals, even gold ones. During this time, at seventy, she earned a black belt in karate. 

 June’s faithful devotion and thoughtfully written Bible verses on grandchildren’s birthday cards encouraged them to look to the One who holds them at all times. Her physically active example has been a source of pride and an inspiration to her grandchildren. June’s children have been in awe of her energy, devotion and accomplishments. Her friends love and admire her. 

 June’s devoted and loving husband of 48 years, Ralph Alford Ector, her brother, Arthur Henry Stafford Jr., and son-in-law, Steve Ward, preceded her in death. She leaves to honor her memory four children, Caroline Wright (Cantey), Susan Ward, Ford Ector [Ralph Alford Ector, Jr.] (Lisa), and Benjamin Ector (Kathy), along with 24 loving grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and several much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family most sincerely thanks June’s kind caregivers and hospice nurses for their loving attention to our mother.