Onda June Breaux

Onda June Breaux, born on May 21, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, was the eldest child of Anna Elizabeth Frazier Brown and Frederick Winfield Brown. Her name Onda was inspired by a neighbor’s mispronunciation of her mother’s name “Anna." She was known affectionately as June by her family and friends. Her high school yearbook listed her nickname as "Brownie," and her statement was, "Winter is here, but June is near." In 1944, her family moved to Montclair, New Jersey, where June grew up alongside her younger brother, Frederick Allen Brown, fondly called Allen. The neighborhood provided a wonderful environment for children, and June thrived there. She had a passion for reading, often finishing two books a week, and she enjoyed crossword puzzles. She also loved to knit and crochet, preferring the latter. Her sewing skills were remarkable. June was active in the Girl Scouts, advancing to the level of Senior Scout. She joined St. Mark's Church and sang in the choir. June and her friend Myrna took piano lessons together at her home. She graduated from Montclair High School in 1951, participating in the Spiritual Choir, Senior Council, and the bowling team. After high school, June worked as a Key Punch Operator at Prudential Insurance in Newark, New Jersey, from 1951 to 1953. She then attended New Jersey State Teachers College at Paterson, majoring in Business Education and minoring in Elementary Education. While there, she was active in the Hospitality Committee, Debate Club, and served as Class Treasurer for the Eastern Business Teachers Association of New Jersey. She also participated in golf and fencing through the Women's Athletic Association. June continued her involvement with the Girl Scouts and worked at the Montclair YMCA for six years. June married Charles Earl Pitts, and in 1958, they welcomed a daughter, Ronda June Pitts. After college, June worked at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, as a secretary to the registrar from 1956 to 1958, and she also worked part-time for a certified public accountant and as a substitute teacher in the New Jersey school system. Unfortunately, her marriage to Charles ended, and she later married Robert Fabian Breaux. The family moved to Washington, D.C., where they were blessed with a son, Ronan Frederick Breaux. In Washington, June decided to pursue a career in business rather than teaching. She was hired by Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company (C&P), later known as Bell Atlantic, which eventually became Verizon. Over her 26-year career, June rose to the position of second-level manager in charge of automotive operations, becoming the first Black female in this role. She traveled to 28 states and received numerous awards. June was also a dedicated blood donor, giving nearly six gallons by the time she stopped. June's commitment to her community continued in retirement. She worked for various doctors and attended Saint Barnabas Church in Leeland for 40 years, serving as an usher, secretary, and communion server to the Collington Senior community. She was also a collection offering plate counter and organized events like the Ham and Oyster dinner and was involved in the Special Olympics. June made sure to offer wisdom and guidance in every situation, served as a nurturing and supportive presence, provided the legacy and traditions and values of the family, remembered family inspirations and demonstrated herself as a role model and ultimately provided unconditional love to all those who were in her presence. June was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick Winfield and Anna Elizabeth Brown; brother, Frederick Allen Brown; husband, Robert Fabian Breaux; and son, Ronan Frederick Breaux. She is survived by her daughter, Ronda Skipper; grandson, Ryan Skipper and his wife Janna; great-grandsons, Amar'e and Reece Skipper; sister-in-law, Louise Brown; nephew, Glen Brown and his wife Kim; niece, Stacy Costner and her husband Tony; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. June Breaux was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. The family extends their heartfelt thanks for the support and kind words during this time of grief. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM at St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church 14111 Oak Grove Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774. A repast will follow at Leeland Hall. June will be inurned in Arlington National Cemetery with her late husband in July.

Onda June Breaux

May 21, 1933 - April 23, 2024