June Jumper, 93
October 22, 1931 – May 20, 2025
Dorothy June Gafford Jumper completed her journey to Heaven on Tuesday afternoon, May 20, 2025 at the age of 93. June, born on October 22, 1931, was the daughter of Hulet and Eula Messer Gafford. She lived a life of giving and service to her family and friends, always seeking to honor Jesus and pointing others to Him.
June was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend who cherished her family deeply. Her legacy will continue through her family: daughter, Becky Beavers (Bill), two sons, Jim Jumper (Lea), and Greg Jumper (Cyrilla), eight grandchildren,
18 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. She loved people well, not only her own family, but also all who knew her as Ms. June, Momma June, or Aunt June.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her high school sweetheart and husband, James Royce Jumper, her brother Gerald Gafford, sister Mavour Ruth Papasan, her infant daughter Daphne Jumper, and two nephews who were like brothers to her—Bobby Papasan and Larry Papasan.
James Royce and June married on June 1, 1951 after completing two years at Wood College in Mathiston, MS. They moved to Starkville for three years with James Royce earning his degree in Dairy Science at Mississippi State University while June worked for the Dean of the School of Business. She was a lifelong Bulldog, often wearing Maroon and White and cheering them on in every sport. For most of her adult life, June devoted herself to teaching Children’s Sunday School, sharing her faith and love with so many children. She was a lifelong member of Salem Methodist Church, was active in the Pinedale Homemaker’s Club, and served as a leader for the Pinedale 4-H Club. Her love for people and her community was always lived out in service.
June’s commitment to doing her best was evident in everything she did. She was an excellent seamstress and would often sew late into the night to carefully create or alter the perfect garment for those who came to her door for her help. Most of her family would declare that her homemade rolls were the best ever, with her rising well before the sun to make sure they were ready for a big family gathering. And her roses—she tended to them and her entire garden with much care, but her biggest commitment and care was always to her family and friends.
Services to celebrate her life will be at Salem Methodist Church in Etta on Sunday, May 25 at 3:00 pm with visitation preceding the service from 2:00 until 3:00. A visitation will also be on Saturday, May 24 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at United Funeral Service in New Albany.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Salem Methodist Church Ministerial Scholarship Fund, 1216 Hwy 355, Etta, MS 38627.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
