June Simmons Lucas

June Simmons Lucas, born October 24, 1938 in Washington, D.C., was the third of six children and one of four daughters born to the late Cornella Colbert and William Brennan Simmons, Sr. Their family home on S Street, N.W. was their central hub for almost 50 years. June was educated at St. Augustine Catholic School and finished in the same eighth grade class as her husband-to-be. June continued in the District of Columbia public school system graduating from Dunbar Senior High School, class of 1957. Two years later on July 11, 1959, and as certainly expected by all, she married the love of her life, Jules! This union was blessed with a son and daughter, Jay and Julie. June was a dedicated and committed employee in the United States Postal Service with 34 years of service at her retirement. Outside of work, she engaged diligently in arts and crafts -- her real passion! June was incredibly artistic and loved to spend time sewing, painting figurines, personalizing gifts, and creating floral arrangements. Known for her green thumb, she had extensive knowledge of plant and flower species. She nurtured some from seedlings to full-grown and frequently gifted family and friends with a seasonal bloom. The icing-on-the-cake for June was reshaping soil areas in her backyard to accommodate her plots for farming, especially tomatoes. She managed them from stage-to-stage, creating a unique wire and string support mechanism. At harvest, June presented her large home-grown best of the lot to family, friends and neighbors, year after year. June never tired of sitting in her backyard taking time to smell her roses while she enjoyed reading her favorite novel or in her early days tending to Jay, Julie and their cousins-- Missy on many weekends. Upon retirement, one of her greatest joys was as caregiver for her grandchildren and great niece! In her grandmotherly years, June welcomed her four grandchildren to spend their summer vacation days with her. Engaged and committed, she created many opportunities for them to learn by joining her in a craft or gardening project. Once her loving husband retired, he and June enjoyed spending leisure time together, from watching their favorite television show or movie to traveling. Jules and June enjoyed playing slots together at the casino and their camaraderie was unparalleled. Charismatic and personable, June was always warm and welcoming. She was easy to talk to and a great listener causing people to naturally gravitate toward her in a group setting. On May 17, 2018, surrounded by her family she was unexpectedly delivered from a short term illness and accepted God's invitation to come home safely. Left to cherish loving memories of June are her husband of fifty-nine years, Jules M. Lucas, Sr; a son, Jules M. Lucas, Jr. (Pamela); a daughter Julie Lucas Jones (Karl); her four grandchildren Jaelan Jones, Jules Lucas III, Kaelan Jones and Reid Lucas; her three sisters, Joyce, Maryellen and Angela; June was predeceased by her two brothers William and Marc. She also leaves to mourn her a host of nephews and nieces: Vandy, Jill, Kelly, Janice, Kimberly, Carole, Paul, Missy Michael, Juyne, Marc, Jr. and Erica. She will be remembered for her love of family, supportiveness and generosity of spirit. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2018 11 am at Pope Funeral Home, Forestville chapel 5538 Marlboro Pike, District Heights, MD 20747

June Simmons Lucas

October 24, 1938 - May 17, 2018