J W Lenoir Jr.

J.W. Lenoir affectionately known as Big June/JR was born on June 29, 1936 to Belzona Cain-Lenoir and J.W. Lenoir Sr. in Brookhaven, MS. He later married Barbara Campbell-Lenoir.

He passed away on May 3, 2026 at Northwest Health LaPorte surrounded by his loved ones.

Big June enjoyed attending River of Life Church with his family. He was well known for his delicious soul food like his egg custard pies and his famous story telling. He enrolled into the Air Force at eighteen years old and became a manufacturing worker until he retired. He was a dedicated father to his children, grandchildren, and great-children until the end. HIs warm and inviting personality welcomed anyone into his circle.

J.W. loved going to the casinos, traveling for food with his loved ones, playing Pokeno, and did daily drive-by’s to his family houses delivering watermelons. We cannot forget he loved watching The Heat of the Night, his western movies/shows, and Texas Ranger. He found so much joy taking the wheel and driving down south to visit his hometown and family. He loved junking and everything was an antique or collectors item.

He lives to cherish his children, Tim (Lynette) Kelly, Mary Ann Lewis, Caroline (Marshall) Cowan, Sandra D. Lenoir, all of Michigan City, IN, Kenneth (Cookie) Garron of Merrillville, IN, Elizabeth Campbell of Cocoa, Florida, Regina George of San Antonio, TX, and Melody Farmer of Michigan City, IN. He lives to cherish his memories with his siblings, Minnie (Jesse) Fair of Spring, TX, Brenda Singleton of Bakersfield, CA, Eli (Terry) Lenoir of Michigan City, IN, Ricky (Wanda) Lenoir, and Robert (Mary) Lenoir all of Hazelhurst, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. His special friend Arthur Ford aka cousin Arthur.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant son J.W. III, Frederick Lenoir, daughters Sonia Lenoir, and Jacqueline Lenoir. His siblings, Anna V, Joe, J.C, R.J, Danny, Eugene, Walter, Alvin, Thomas, Carrie Belle, and Mary Nell Lenoir.

Funeral services will be noon, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at River or Life Missionary Church 516 Decatur Street, Michigan City, Indiana with Pastor Roscoe Hoffman to give the eulogy. Viewing will be 11am, Saturday, May 16, 2026 at River of Life Missionary Church. Please keep the Lenoir family in your thoughts and prayers.

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