June McGrede

Evelyn June Sheridan McGrede passed peacefully on the morning of May 14, 2021 after numerous health struggles.  Born in Houston, Texas on June 3, 1937, she lived her early years in the Houston Heights.  In August of 1956, she married Louis Harris McGrede and moved to Pasadena, Texas, where they lived and raised a family for the next 30+ years.  During those years, June was active in many community service groups as well as organizations supporting her family.

June dedicated her entire life to her family and was the head cheerleader for her husband and their two children, Steve and Linda. As a devoted mom, June assumed the role of “Neighborhood Mother of the Locklaine Gang,” which was comprised of all the neighborhood children.  In that role, she prepared copious amounts of lasagna, tacos and snacks, supervised swimming parties and participated in lots of games including Skip-Bo, board games, puzzles and many more.  There was never a dull moment at the McGrede home!  

June also spent endless hours at the church in many different capacities.  She was a “den mother” to a bunch of restless boys, President of the PTA, and an active member of numerous other organizations.  One of her most notable moments was becoming the 1st woman President of the “Rotary Anns” in Pasadena.

Stepping back from all the different hats she had worn throughout the years and with Steve and Linda off in college, she joined the workforce as a travel agent in Pasadena.  After 11 years on the job, she and Louis retired and moved to Sulphur Springs and then to Beaumont.  Louis and June traveled extensively most of their married life, both during her working career and retirement.  They saw the world several times, hand in hand.  Whether in their motorhome, by plane, train, or automobile, embracing adventure was the essence of her being.  From stepping into a hot air balloon in Africa, to secretly taking flying lessons and soaring the skies, she was an inspiring, strong, beautiful soul.

June is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Nancy McGrade of Beaumont, Texas; daughter, Linda McGrede Cranford of Flower Mound, Texas; sister, Camilla Dillon of Coppell, Texas; grandchildren, Lauren Cranford of Austin, Texas; Kathleen Cranford of Little Rock, Arkansas; Harris McGrade of Los Angeles, California; Zan McGrade of Beaumont, Texas and great-granddaughter, Townsend Lily Baxter of Little Rock, Arkansas.  She will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Mrs. McGrede may be made to First United Methodist Church, 301 Church Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482.

A memorial service for Mrs. McGrede will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont with a reception to follow in the Cloister.

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