Reva June Clifford Pearson was born June 11, 1927 to Walter Elijah Sr and Reva May (Birdno) Clifford. They were in order Walter Jr., Farrell (Dutch), Reva June, Ralph J. She is the third of four children. She is the only girl. June, as her family calls her, was born in the family home. This is the old brick home across from the home she lives in now, that is still standing on the farm.
June started grade school in the Lone Star School. Then when she started the 4th grade, all the schools in Safford, were consolidated. In High School June was on the pep squad. She played tennis and helped serve many, many banquets. There were many items that were rationed during this time because of World War II. Some of the items where sugar, shoes and nylons. June’s oldest two brother served in the armed forces, it was a scary time for all.
June graduated from High School May 1946. After graduation, she started applying for jobs. Her first job she was hired for was working at as a telephone operator in July. June met Ivan Bode Pearson on blind date. This date had been arranged by Betty (Bowman) Cluff. They dated for a whole year, before eloping to Lordsburg N.M on July 4th, 1950.
June and Ivan had 3 children; 1st son, Armon, 2nd son Cliff, and 3rd girl, Jane. After having children, June went to work part-time for Safford School Cafeteria. June had the opportunity to transfer to the Bookstore inside of the High School. June took care of lunch tickets, issued all books at registration, took care of all club money, Senior pictures and caps and gowns and many other things that kept her busy. June worked a total of seventeen years for Safford High Schools. She then moved to Eastern Arizona College Bookstore where she worked for eight years until the Fallet Book Company took over the store, then she retired January 1992. It was time to enjoy Ivan and her family.
June has been involved in the LDS church and community: Cub Scout Den Mother, assisted with girl scouts, girls camp leader, Jr. Sunday School teacher, taught Mutual, was 1st Counselor in M.I.A., taught in R.S., secretary in Primary, assistant manager in the Church Library, Visiting Teacher since 1961, this is thirty-three years.
June has had a busy, but good life, she devoted her time to helping Ivan cope with his daily problems until Ivan passes away in December 5, 2009.
June went to be with the Love of her Life on Friday, December 9, 2016 at her home.
June is survived by Armon and Holly Jo Pearson, Cliff and Cindy Pearson, Jane Pearson, 11 Grandchildren and 23 Great Grandchildren.
Services for June will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 beginning with a viewing at 9:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mt. Graham Chapel with Bishop Reed Larson conducting. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
