June Harris Buhler, beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and active community member, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the age of 96. Born on June 11, 1928, in Texarkana, Texas, June was the daughter of Carl and Jewell Harris. She grew up in the First Christian Church in Texarkana, where she was deeply involved in youth programs, shaping her lifelong commitment to service and education. As a standout student, June graduated as valedictorian from Texas High School before attending Texarkana Junior College, where she acted in theater productions. She was also an accomplished pianist who performed in many recitals and even had a solo recital. She later completed her bachelor’s degree at Texas Christian University.

After graduation, June taught briefly in Texarkana. She then married and moved to Shreveport where she taught fifth grade and worked as a librarian for many years. Her daughter Jeanne was born in 1950. In the 50s and 60s she became an active member of King's Highway Christian Church, where she performed in the choir and sang many solos. June continued her education while teaching, earning a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Arkansas through summer courses, later taking a sabbatical year to earn her Doctorate in Education. Her love for children's literature was evident in her career, as she often engaged her students in creative book activities. Her grandchildren also benefited, as she read many of her favorite books to them.

In the 1970s, June moved to Texas, where she joined the faculty at North Texas State University, teaching in the College of Education. She retired as an Associate Professor, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of education. After retiring, June relocated to Tyler, to be close to her daughter’s family and became an active member of the First Christian Church. In her later years, she moved to Rosewood Estates, where she enjoyed participating in various activities and forming cherished friendships.

June is survived by her daughter, Jeanne Henderson, and her son-in-law, James Henderson, as well as her grandchildren, Chantry Land and Baker Henderson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Jewell Harris; her brother and sister-in-law, Carl Jr. and LaMerle Harris; and her sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Bobby Benbow. The family is grateful for the compassionate care she received in her final months from Brookdale Memory Care and Heart to Heart Hospice.

 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 1 at 2:00 pm at the First Christian Church in Tyler, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The First Christian Church Building Fund, 4202 S. Broadway, Tyler, TX 75701 or fcctyler.org.

Burial will occur at a later date in Texarkana.