June Jacqueline Popplewell Gaskins, 98, of Russell Springs, KY passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Russell County Hospital. She was born in Anderson, Indiana on June 20, 1924, a daughter of the late Orion Avalee and Josephine Anderson Popplewell.
On June 21, 1941 at the age of 17, she married Morris M. Gaskins, the beginning of a 53-year union of marriage and work for the Lord. June was a dutiful and devoted pastor’s wife. During Bro. Morris’ pastoring career, she was active in music, with the children’s choir, Bible Schools and revivals in their tenures at Science Hill First Baptist Church, Clear Fork Baptist Church, in Albany, and Union Baptist Church of Russell Springs. She was a member of Russell Springs First Baptist Church. June was an accomplished piano player; she played for the Starlighters Quartet that was featured daily on CBS radio. She shared her talent by teaching piano privately to many students over the years. June was a public school teacher and had worked for the telephone company.
SURVIVORS:
1 daughter: Yvonne (Donnie) Emerson of Russell Springs
3 grandsons: Matt (Karen) Emerson of Jamestown, Daniel (Jessica) Emerson of Henderson, and Jeremy (Kattie) Emerson of Lawrenceburg
3 great-grandchildren: Abigail Emerson, Rebekah Emerson and Xander Emerson
Along with her parents, June was preceded in death by her husband, Bro. Morris Gaskins, who passed away May 6, 1994; two brothers: O.A. Popplewell, Jr. and William S. “Bill” Popplewell; and her sister, Retta Grider.
Funeral Service: Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 11:00amCT at Russell Springs Christian Church with Bro. Donnie Emerson officiating
Burial: Union Cemetery
Visitation: Monday, November 21, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Russell Springs Christian Church and after 8:00 a.m. Tuesday
Pallbearers: Matt Emerson, Daniel Emerson, Jeremy Emerson, Chris Stapp, Elliott Bryant, Frank Gaskins, Derek Polston, and Tommy Hill
Honorary pallbearers: Roy Thomas and Gene Brown
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at donate.lovetotherescue.org or to 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Arrangements are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
