June Ella Spencer Phipps, age 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother died peacefully on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the Hinkle Hospice House in Lexington, NC. She was born on September 21, 1934, in the Rugby Community of Grayson County to John Blake and Lanta Viola Richardson Spencer.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Laverne S. Kiser and Carol S. Miller, and her brother Sherrill W. Spencer.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She was proud of her mountain heritage and maintained close ties with her extended Whitetop Mountain kin.  As a true mountaineer, she occasionally enjoyed a trip to Cousin Zeke's in Marion, VA.  June was an avid reader, and as a result, she was skilled at both Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune game shows.  She was equally devoted to having good old fashioned fun with family and friends.  June enjoyed providing for her family and loved being a homemaker.  Several cats and dogs found a good home with June through the years as she was fond of animals.  June will be remembered as one who fulfilled every aspect of the role of wife and mother.  She especially enjoyed the role of Grandmother and Great-Grandmother.  She taught her family through example!

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Joseph Dale Phipps of the home; one daughter, Sharon and Robby Wingate of Independence, VA; three sons, Robert Gayle and Pam Phipps of Lexington, NC, Timothy Dale Phipps of Independence, and David Lee Phipps of Independence; grandchildren, Elizabeth Cope of Lexington, NC, Wendy and John Hinson of Lexington, NC, Josh Wingate of Independence, VA, Taylor and Adam Heitman of Lexington, NC, Alyssa and Zack Hill of Galax, VA, and Cheyenne Phipps of Galax, VA; six great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at 11:00 AM at the Haw Orchard Baptist Church with Rev. Pete Phipps officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Haw Orchard Cemetery where June will take her place along side many generations of her family.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Atrium Health of Lexington Medical Center, Hinkle Hospice House of Davidson County, Grayson Nursing and Rehab and Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.  Lastly, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Salvation Army or Independence Volunteer Rescue Squad.