June Bentley Obituary

June White Bentley, 93, passed away on September 13, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and remarkable achievements. She was reunited with her cherished husband of 52 years, George E. Bentley, Sr., who preceded her in 2005. Services will be held at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home at 2pm on Saturday September 21st. The family will receive guests for one hour prior to the services.

A lifelong resident of Marietta, June was known for her warmth and vibrant spirit. Though she often joked about being a city girl married to a farmer, her heart belonged to the community she served so selflessly. June was a devoted member of Marietta First United Methodist Church where she was a member of Jack Aaron Sunday School Class, Campground United Methodist Church, and New Hope United Methodist Church, where she found a deep sense of purpose and belonging.

Born to Grace Holcomb White and Clifford C. White, June was a loving sister to Harry White, who passed in 1992. Her family was her pride and joy. She is survived by her children, George "Ed" Bentley (Dee) and Elizabeth "Beth" Bentley (Michael Letrinko), and her adored grandchildren, Abbie Kays (Dustin), Edward Bentley (Laura), Allison Fluke (Joe Kimball), and Lowell Fluke (Jessica Rosenblatt). She was a great-grandmother to Luke Kays, Carter Kays, Hudson Kays, Kymarii, Ella Kays, Kade Bentley, Jackson Bentley, Mason Bentley, Olivia Bentley, and James Kimball, as well as a step-grandmother to Kevin Letrinko (Jessica), Brian Letrinko (Jillian), and Tyler Letrinko (Taylor), and a step-great-grandmother to Harper Letrinko and Cade Letrinko.

June's vibrant spirit was evident from her school days, where she was a cheerleader and named Miss Freshman Class at Marietta High School, graduating with the class of 1947. She earned an associate's degree from West Georgia College and used her secretarial skills at Dobbins Air Force Base before leaving her job to raise her children. Her passion for education led her back to West Georgia College in 1968, where she earned her degree in education and later a Master of Education.

A pioneer in special education, June began teaching special education kindergarten in Cobb County School District in 1970 at Banberry Elementary. She later served as principal at Rose Garden School, where she advocated for severely handicapped students to be educated in their neighborhood schools. After Rose Garden closed, she continued her work in the special education department of Cobb County Schools until her retirement in 1991.

Even after retiring, June remained committed to learning and service. She volunteered as a docent at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art for five years and devoted time to her condo association in Fernandina Beach, Florida, where she had owned a home since 1982, serving as vice president for many years. Her love for music and playing the piano continued to enrich her life until the end.

June White Bentley will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her countless acts of kindness, her perpetually optimistic soul, her dedication to education, and the indelible mark she left on her family and community. She will be dearly missed. The family thanks Arbor Terrace at Burnt Hickory for their unconditional love for her care and support of the staff to treat "June Bug" like family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Marietta Cobb Museum of Art.