When our beloved June Pointer passed away in April of 2006 at the age of 52, many people were saddened, but the sad reality is that few were surprised. During the years prior to her death, no one, not even June herself, knew that she’d had cancer growing in her breasts, liver, bones and colon, but it was widely known that June had been battling drug addiction for decades. Her lifestyle is what caused many people to pray for her and fear the worst- that something terrible would happen if she didn’t get help.

Fortunately she did not pass away from any drug overdose, or drug deal gone wrong, but sadly, she died from an undetected cancer that was only diagnosed after June was rushed to the hospital in February of 2006 after suffering a stroke. Her health deteriorated quickly and just 2 short months later, she was gone. At the time of her death, her sisters Anita and Ruth Pointer were on tour and had to rush to be by her side. June wasn’t touring with them because she was asked to leave the group after her years of drug addiction began to hamper the group’s progress. It’s a sad story no matter how you look at it, but there is far more to June’s addiction than just wanting to be a ‘party girl’ and live carefree. Her brother, Fritz Pointer, whom is a college professor and a poet, made it all make sense when he gave this revelation to the San Francisco Gate publication…