Virginia June Hackworth

Virginia June Hackworth (née Evans) died peacefully in her home on October 14th, 2014 in San Angelo, Texas at the age of 80. June was born April 12th, 1934 in Meridian, Mississippi, to Melvin and Eva Evans and grew up in Selma, Alabama. She was a graduate of St. Vincent's School of Nursing in Birmingham, Alabama, and throughout her 45-year career, worked in numerous settings doing everything from caring for patients with leprosy, to delivering babies, to supervising busy emergency departments. She was highly regarded by the people that she worked with, loved by her patients, and a comfort for all who came in contact with her. June married Robie Hackworth in 1955 while he was stationed at Craig AFB in Selma. They met at a soda fountain like characters in a movie and married later that year, beginning a life full of adventure. As an Air Force family, they lived all over the United States, as well as in Peru, and Panama. While Robie served as the Air Attaché in Peru, June became close friends with the wives of numerous Peruvian officials. A high-ranking diplomat characterized June as being the "best spy they had." June faced down coups, diseases, earthquakes, snakes, native tribes, and monkeys, all while raising four children. She befriended astronauts, diplomats, politicians, rock stars, and the occasional spy. She was an accomplished bowler, seamstress, golfer, and avid reader that still somehow maintained a spotless house (something she took great pride in). She had a generous heart and loved her family more than anything. Her life became a mixture of legend, tall tale, and folklore. June is survived by her dog, Gracie; her children Lynn Henrikson and husband Terry, Rose Still, Ben Hackworth, and Robin Abbinante; her sister Jean Foster; daughter-in-law Cathy Hackworth; and grandchildren Chris Henrikson, Eric Henrikson, Lauren Henrikson, Rachel Sells, Kevin Sells, Zachary Sells, and Will Hackworth. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years Colonel Robie Hackworth, her dog Sarah, and her parents, Melvin and Eva Evans. The family is planning a private memorial. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of San Angelo or Saint Jude Hospital. The family would like to thank the ICU staff at San Angelo Community Medical Center, Hospice of San Angelo, Visiting Angels, and June's grandchildren who all helped to make this compassionate, gentle woman's passing both comfortable and peaceful.