June Burkett Curtis

June Burkett Curtis, age 82, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed from this world on December 10, 2025, and stepped into a reunion long awaited. Born on June 1, 1943, June lived her life as a vibrant light, warm and welcoming, shining into the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

June never met a stranger. People were drawn to her open heart, to the softness of her presence, and to the kindness that flowed so naturally from her. To her grandchildren, she was Nana, and often Nanabug, a name inspired by the ladybugs that always seemed to find her. Blue jays, cardinals, and her beloved Pomeranians filled her world with joy and reflected the gentle beauty she loved.

Some of the sweetest memories her grandchildren hold are the simple ones. Nights spent at Nana’s house when the world felt safe and small, mornings greeted by the smell of coffee and her infamous cheese toast, and the comfort of knowing she was always nearby. When it was time to leave, June would stand in the garage, smiling and waving, her fingers forming the “I love you” sign as the car pulled out of the driveway. No one ever left her home without something in their hands or love in their hearts.

June’s greatest joy was her family. She poured herself fully into being a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother, taking pride in each of them. Her love was steady, patient, and deeply felt.

She is now reunited in heaven with the love of her life, Andrew McSween; her mother, Virginia Burkett McRee; her father, Wiley Harris Burkett; her stepfather, M.S. McRee; her former husband, Jack Curtis; her siblings Genevieve Turner, Betty Porch Ferguson, and JoAnn Martin; and her beloved dogs who waited for her. Those she loved most were there to welcome her home.

June is survived by her children Jay Curtis (Sheila), Jinger Curtis Bates (Roger), and Janice Curtis Selke (Tim). She also leaves behind her grandchildren Amber Osley (Jason), Travis Curtis (Melissa), Destin Holloway Saetern (Yoon), Jordan Holloway, and Lauren Johnson (Bridges), as well as her great-grandchildren Caroline, Annaclaire, Madelyn Kate, Rory, and Maci. She was endlessly proud of each one.

June graduated from Provine High School in Jackson, Mississippi, and carried the values of kindness, generosity, and warmth with her throughout her life. She gave love freely, welcomed others openly, and created a home where everyone belonged.

And just as she stood in the garage, hands raised in love as we drove away, we know she did the same when she left us. We see it. We feel it. And we love her too.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of June Burkett Curtis.