June Dickens Lewis

Teacher in Los Angeles, CA

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June Dickens Lewis passed away in her Culver City home on Monday July 22, 2013, just a week before her 91st birthday.

June Audrey, born in San Diego California was the only daughter of Florinda Mussenden and Harry Dickens. She was valedictorian of her class at San Diego High School. She attended San Diego State College majoring in education, minoring in music. She graduated in 1950 having taken time out to aid in the WWII efforts as an accountant to the 11th naval district. and was the first African-American to be admitted to the teacher training program.

June was married to Marshall Flagg Lewis of Chicago, Illinois. In 1948 Marshall, June and her parents, were involved in a landmark civil rights case. They'd jointly purchased a triplex bordering the unofficial 'color line' and were sued for a thousand dollars each. They successfully defended against the Golden Hills Neighborhood Association just before the restricted covenant case was passed by the Supreme Court.

June taught music and math at all white schools in San Diego, later the family relocated to the Baldwin Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. She enjoyed teaching 6th grade for LA City Schools until she was promoted to an Advisor position in the Office of School and Community Relations. She received her Masters Degree from Pepperdine University. Like her mother Florinda Dickens, June worked to integrate the public education system in southern California.

After retiring from the LA County School system she remained active in many clubs including, various bridge clubs, the LA chapter of Chums, Circle - Lets, the Leo Ladies and most importantly she was a Golden Soror in the Theta Mu Omega Chapter chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Ever the hostess, she was organizing functions and calling caterers until the very end.

She is survived by her daughter, Rita Denise Lewis (son in law, John Gordon) and 2 grandchildren, Veda and Ofurhe Igbinedion. Contact [email protected] regarding memorial plans. She is interred next to her husband Marshall at Holy Cross Cemetery.

  • Education
    • San Diego State College