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June Post Aiken, 76, of Destin, Florida, passed peacefully from this life on February 24, 2026, in her home, with her loving husband and daughter by her side.
Born on June 20, 1949, in Greenwood, Mississippi, June lived a life defined by love, adventure, faith, and an unwavering zest for life. In 1974, she married the love of her life, Vernon “Hal” Aiken, Jr., beginning a partnership that would span more than 51 beautiful years. They were blessed with two children and built a life rooted in family, hard work, and shared dreams.
June was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood, Mississippi. In Destin, she attended Immanuel Anglican Church where she served on the Altar Guild.
In marriage, June began her time in the floral industry working alongside Hal’s Mother at Iva’s Flowers in Greenwood, MS. When Hal later accepted an opportunity with Peavey Electronics in Meridian, MS, their family stepped into a new chapter. During their ten years in Meridian, June did what she always did, she built a beautiful life. She opened her own florist shop, The Flower Patch, raised her young family, and continued to build lasting friendships.
In 1988, June and her family followed a new calling to Florida’s Emerald Coast, settling first in Fort Walton Beach. True to her adventurous spirit, June wholeheartedly supported Hal’s dream of running a charter boat, becoming his mate in another capacity. From 1989 to 1998, they operated the charter boat, Desperado, out of East Pass Marina in Destin. Together they created unforgettable memories on the water and forged lifelong friendships. June baited hooks, handled lines, and fulfilled all responsibilities of a mate. “Mama June” welcomed guests like old friends as they grew a successful charter boat business. The sun on her face and the wind in her hair; that was her kind of freedom.
In 1995, Hal and June relocated to Destin, where they continued elevating their business by founding Aiken Yacht Service. They provided private yacht management, and together, continued their life on the water. Whether she was tending to a garden, arranging flowers, or tying off a dock line, June did everything with a cheerful heart and loving intention. June had a deep love for people, music, dancing, gardening, boating, fishing, and all of God’s creatures and creations. She always had a natural gift for making others feel valued, and she embraced every season of her life with enthusiasm and joy.
June courageously battled numerous health challenges throughout her life with remarkable strength, grace, and a positive attitude. Her enduring faith in Jesus Christ and her love for the Lord sustained her. She faced each trial with resilience and hope. She was delivered from the burdens of this world peacefully, surrounded by those she loved.
June is survived by her husband, Hal Aiken; her son, Davis Aiken of Santa Rosa Beach, FL.; and her daughter, Melissa Aiken of Destin, FL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Dorothy Post, Jr. of Greenwood, Mississippi; and her in-laws, Vernon and Iva Aiken of Greenwood, MS.
June leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and fearless devotion to family. The outpouring of kind words and cherished memories from friends and family is a testament to the countless lives she touched. She taught those around her to work hard, trust God fully, love generously, and never miss a chance to drop a line in the water.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Immanuel Anglican Church, located at 250 Indian Trail Drive, Destin, FL. Father Rob Cornelison and Father Mike Hesse will officiate the services.
June’s burial at sea follows, with her boat procession led by Lady Em, departing at 6:00 p.m. from Harbor Docks at 538 Harbor Boulevard, Destin.
A reception will follow at Harbor Docks Restaurant on the dock.
Please join us as we gather to remember and celebrate June’s life.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to Immanuel Anglican Church of Destin, FL, Tunnel of Towers, or Wounded Warrior Project.