June Koenig

June Kinlaw Koenig entered into eternal rest on Thursday, August 30, 2012 following a brief illness at the age of 49.



She was born in Robeson County, North Carolina on August 1, 1963 to Hubert Craven Kinlaw and Fran Hester Penny and grew up in Elizabethtown. She graduated from East Bladen High School and earned a BS Degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. She met her loving husband, Albert Clifton Koenig in 1988. They were married May 12, 1990.



June's passion for the welfare of children and senior adults led her to a professional career in social work that expanded more than 27 years. The last 17 years, June was employed with the Bladen County Department of Social Services and served as Director with the agency since October of 2003. She proudly served on various State Boards which included the State Executive Committee of the North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services and was Secretary of that committee for three years. In addition, June served as an active member of the Director's Association and was chairperson of the Children's Services Committee as well as an active member of the Advocacy Committee and the State/County Relations Committee. Her service to numerous Bladen County boards include: Partnership for Children/Smart Start, the Family Support Initiative Advisory, United Way, Bladen County Crisis Ministry, Bladen County Child Fatality Team, and served as chairperson of the Bladen County and Community Protection Team. June's community outreach extended to the welfare of Bladen County pets in 2009. She assisted and advised A Shelter Friend, non-profit, of Bladen County to implement a low-income spay/neuter program. That program has helped hundreds of elderly and disable residents to keep their beloved four-legged companions.



Family was always first for this uniquely loving wife, mother, daughter, and sister. Among June's favorite places to spend time was on an athletic field watching her son, Cliff, and his East Bladen High School teammates play baseball and soccer. She loved baking, beach weekends with family, a special group of dear friends and, her newest hobby, growing vegetables.



She was preceded in death by her stepmother, Betty Grantham Kinlaw.



June is survived by husband, Albert Clifton Koenig, son John Clifton "Cliff" Koenig of the home; father, Hubert C. Kinlaw and Fiance', Darlene Shook of Elizabethtown; mother, Fran Hester Penny of Whiteville; sister, Denise Kinlaw Cross and husband Dr. Ray Cross of White Lake; two nephews, Johnathan Raynor of Clarkton, Joshua Raynor and wife Jordan of Clarkton. Left behind are a precious Pug companion, Babbs, and her cat, Mr. Tibbs.



A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 2, 2012. Viewing will be 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM at Elizabethtown Baptist Church. Services will be held at 3:00 PM at the church with Rev. Chris Carroll officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. A private burial will be held at Bladen Memorial Gardens.



In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elizabethtown Baptist Church, Rebuild the Vision, 1800 West Broad St. Elizabethtown, NC 28337; Bladen Crisis Center, P.O.Box 455, Elizabethtown, NC 28337.