June Bernice Johnson Rayburn Stafford

June Bernice Johnson Rayburn Stafford 97, passed away on February 7th, 2024, at her home in Kennedale, Texas. She was born on June 17th, 1926 in Fort Worth, Texas to Fletcher and Bernice (Mitchell) Johnson.

June grew up in Kennedale, Tx. She attended Kennedale school, graduating from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth, Texas in 1943. After high school she:

· Went to work at Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1943 where she didn’t get a day off for the first 3 years due to the war. She worked there for over 30 years as the Station Master’s Secretary. 

· Began work for Stafford Railroad Services as an Office Manager where she worked for about 20 years. 

· Was involved in Meals on Wheels, the Mission Store at First United Methodist Church of Kennedale and donated to many charities. June served as the Treasurer for many years for the FMUC where she also helped establish the Quilt Connection which aids in raising funds to support the church.

June married Ray Rayburn in 1951 in Kennedale, Texas. They were happily married for 5 years and were both early members of the First United Methodist Church of Kennedale. After his death in 1956 she devoted her life to their children Mona and Lance, remarrying in 1972 to Lloyd Stafford of Stafford Railroad Services until his passing in 2017. Upon his death she enjoyed the remaining years of her life with her children at her home in Kennedale of over 50 years. She enjoyed bowling, quilting, reading, traveling, grand and great grandkids, shopping and collecting antiques, Americana and train memorabilia, as well as playing cards and dominoes. She spent many years in the Eighties and Nineties firing ceramics in her kiln and sharing her creations with family, friends, and fund raisers for the church. June also had a lifelong love affair with Dr. Pepper. 

June was preceded in death by her parents Fletcher and Bernice Johnson, and siblings Dale, Lois, and Becky.

June is survived by her daughter, Ramona Leach of Kennedale, Texas and her son, Lance Rayburn also of Kennedale, Texas; her sister Gloria Ann Nash of Mansfield, Texas; her grandchildren Casey Johnson of Weatherford, Texas and Rory McGahan of Greenville, Texas; her great-grandchildren Melody June Rain Johnson and RaeLynn June McGahan; and many other relatives and step relatives.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Visiting Nurse Association hospice, FUMC of Kennedale, Emerald Hills Funeral Home, family, and friends. To honor June’s life, the family asks that you follow the golden rule and spread love and kindness to everyone you meet.