June Rena Nelson-Johnson

June was born on November 18, 1957. She was the second child of Connell Butler Sr. and Verdine Butler.

She is survived by her husband, Woodrow Johnson. She is also survived by her five children: Tyronza Walker (Deshawn) of North Little Rock, AR, Patrick Thames (Keshia) of North Little Rock, AR, Marlon Thames (Sherrome) of Fargo, North Dakota, Jaimell Thames (Katrina) of Oklahoma City, OK, and Micah Thames of Dallas, Texas; a bonus daughter, Sabrenna (Charles) Lee, as well as 26 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and one special fur friend called, Valentine.

June attended Bayou Meto Elementary and later graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in 1974. She attended St. Vincent School of nursing in the early 80’s, after which she began her career as a licensed practical nurse. She continued her education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, earning a B.S.N in nursing in 1993. She continued developing her career as a registered nurse while working at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital at Fort Roots and Little Rock VA McClellan. 

Education was very important to June, and so she continued by earning a master’s degree from Webster University in 2000. With her background in nursing and a degree in Human Resources, she opened a successful nursing school called, Heartbeat2Hearbeat, that helped many people reach their career goals in becoming nurses and nurse assistants. June inspired many people throughout the years. She was an encourager and motivator.

She was a faithful member of the ACTS Church of North Little under the leadership of Suffr. Bishop Frank H. Stewart. She served the Christian Education department at the church as a teacher. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge of the word of God with others. She also served on the Health Ministry of ACTS. 

June worked with various health agencies within the state of Arkansas such as the Office of Long-Term Care, the Veteran’s Home, and the Arkansas Department of Health. 

She is preceded in death by: Verdine Butler (mother), Kelvin Nelson (husband), and Ziggy Thames (grandson).

She leaves to cherish her memory, her sister and brother; Pamela Boykins (Clarence), Connell Butler, Jr. (Karla), Bertral Mack, and a host of nieces, nephews, nursing community, church family, friends, and family.