June Elaine Hixon

Mrs. June Elaine Hixon, 93, of Christiana, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. She was born to the late L.B. "Beem" and Erna Bontjes Crabtree in Indianapolis, Indiana on Thursday, June 25, 1931. Being born a twin to her brother Jack, June started off her life how she was raised to live it. Family togetherness was at the center of the Crabtree family's way of life.

Mr. Beem was a carpenter and taught his children the trade. Though the girls, June and Carol, didn't get into the business, joy filled his heart the day he got to change the name of his business to L.B. and Sons. Each of the Crabtree children learned to find their place in life and to keep their focus on what mattered most. 

Raised in the 7th Day Adventist Church, their focus was following Scripture and doing everything for the honor and glory of God. After graduating high school, June furthered her education at Southern Missionary College (now known as Southern Adventist University) in Collegedale, TN. A voracious reader, June devoured books by the hundreds. Her tastes revolved around Christian books with true mission and conversion stories.

Getting exposed to so many books in college made June's mind blossom, but her early years in college ended up being formative for more than just her learning. It was during that time that she met a young man named Glen on a blind date. It was love at first sight, but June and Mr. Beem both made sure Glen knew he needed to smooth his rough edges if he wanted to be with her.

Luckily for Glen, he had the mindset of "show me in the Scripture," and June's sandpaper was smoother than silk. They were wed on September 29, 1950, and June quickly got the opportunity for her life to become just like those stories she was reading. Glen went into the ministry and served as a minister for over 40 years. 

A woman of strong faith, June stood behind her husband. The Hixon family traveled throughout the United States for Glen's service, especially when he took a position in the executive offices of the General Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventists. They lived in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Tennessee, just to name a few. 

No matter where they were though, you knew 2 things were going to be true. First off, Glen and June were going to raise their family based on Scripture. Secondly, you'd find June near the books. During all of their moving, she took a position as a Payroll Clerk at Doubleday, a publishing company. Her retirement just meant more time to support Glen, be there for her children, and read more books.

Throughout her life, June remained the epitome of a humble servant to God, to her family, and to her community. Her sweet spirit and introverted personality might make you overlook her, but by no means was her meekness weakness. Her German heritage came out in her strong will. She maintained balance and harmony in her home. There was just a certain aura about her that drew you in to her wisdom and peace.

June didn't need much to be content in life, but losing Glen proved to be one of her greatest challenges. Her children rallied around her and tried to help her find things to keep her busy. Other than her time at Murfreesboro Seventh-Day Adventist Curch, they found she loved to do word search puzzles and, of course, read. Terry would bring her a box full of books, and in the matter of a week, June had them read and was asking for more. 

During this time of transition, Terry mentioned a part-time position at Reading for Education to June. Coming out of retirement was an easy decision, and June got to work blessing lives through her God-given talents. She re-entered retirement when Michael got sick and aimed to provide the best care possible for her son. He was honored to be able to return the favor and care for her in the final years of her life. 

There is more than a book-worth that can be said about June, but she wouldn't have wanted the focus to be on her. Simply put, she was a good and faithful servant, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates" (Proverbs 31:31).

In addition to her parents, June was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Amos Hixon; and brothers, Don, Bob, Jack, and Ralph Crabtree. She is survived by her children, Gary (Maureen) Hixon of Irma, WI, Michael Hixon of Christiana, and Terry Franz of Lynn Haven, FL; sister, Carol (Evan) Galbraith of Calhoun, GA; grandchildren, Bradley Hixon, Joseph Hixon, and Laura Franz; and great-grandchildren, Faythe Hixon, Grace Hixon, Kendall Hixon, Bionca Hixon, and Landon Ostrander.

In accordance with Mrs. June's wishes, the family will hold private memorial services. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story