June Rae Brown

June Rae Brown, age 87 of Dayton, Ohio, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025. She was born on June 09, 1938 in North Tonawanda, New York, the daughter of the late Frederick and Noami Poeller. June was married for 55 years to the love of her life, Ken, who proceeded her in death.

June grew up in Tonawanda, New York and was one of thirteen children. She played all the sports, including bowling. She belonged to a bowling league and this is where she met Ken. She heard he was a nice guy, so one day at league, she walked up to Ken and said, ”I heard you’re a nice guy”. From there, they got married, raised seven children, and doted on all their nine grandchildren.

June was the type that when she wanted to do something, she was going to do it. She enjoyed dancing, laughing wholeheartedly, doting on her grandkids, and spending time with “her Ken.” She devoted her life to her family. As a wife, she demonstrated what it meant to make a lifelong commitment to love and to cherish someone “till death do us part.”

As a mother, she taught her children to show up and compete. It didn’t matter who the competition was, boys or girls, you showed up to do your best. She taught her children to be disciplined, respectful, and to laugh. She demonstrated how to enjoy the simple things and to laugh from the heart. She showed how to be flexible and to set the extra plate at the table for unexpected visitor. There was always room.

As a grandmother, she was a source of endless love, joy, and laughter. She put her heart into taking care of her grandkids, and it was evident. There was nothing quite like her hugs, her silliness, and her presence. No matter how old you grew or far you ventured, her love could always be felt.

As a friend, she demonstrated what it meant to be giving, thoughtful, and fun loving. She would pick up the church ladies who were unable to drive and take them to the monthly birthday lunches. She would bring left-over pizza home for the neighbor boy because she knew he loved it. She would give her friends whatever they needed at that moment regardless of what it was.

June, Mom, Grammy, Grams…however you knew her, she left an imprint that brings a smile. Memories of her will forever be cherished. Her energy, laughter, and smile will forever be missed. She was the heart and soul of our family and there’s no doubt she had an amazing cast of loved ones, led by “her Ken,” greeting her in Heaven. Give Dad a big hug for us! Y.B.T.M.

June is survived by daughters, Jeanne (David) Lowe, Kim Brown, Sue Brown-Gosney; sons, Kenneth D. Brown, Ricky (Maria) Joyner, Timothy (Beth) Joyner; grandchildren, Timothy Joyner, Shannon Joyner, Christina Joyner, Ashley Greig, Megan Sexton, Christopher Brown, Garrett Brown, Sarah Brown, and Savannah Lowe; and sister, Faith Threader.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth G. Brown; sons, Timothy Brown; brothers Frederick Poeller, Robert Poeller, Calvin Poeller, Kenneth Poeller, Eugene Poeller, Dalton Poeller, Keith Poeller; sisters, Margarette Wurtenburger, Jean Kehoe, Ethel Muniak, and Ruth Poeller.

A memorial service will be held in Buffalo, New York with date, time, and location to be determined.

To share a memory of June or leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.