Ethel June Carlson was the daughter of Annie (Townson) and Norman Fielding, who immigrated to America from England. The Fieldings were active members of The Salvation Army in England and later ministered for many years as Salvation Army soldiers in New London, CT.
From the age of eleven, June felt that God wanted her to minister to others, as a Salvation Army Officer. When she was fourteen, she met Francis “Fritzie” Thompson, whose family was also active in The Salvation Army. They married after high school and lived in Connecticut for ten years, where they welcomed three children.
June was thrilled when, one day, Fritzie told her that he was certain God was calling him to become a Salvation Army officer. From 1968 to 1980, they were ordained ministers in The Salvation Army and served in Cincinnati, Buffalo, and Boston. Their area of ministry focused on the salvation and rehabilitation of men struggling with homelessness and addiction.
June poured her intellect, energy, and heart into this work, which The Salvation Army called: “Men’s Social Service Centers”. She oversaw counseling, housing, meals, and the spiritual development of the residents, treating them more like family than clients. She also organized picnics, concerts, birthday celebrations, and other activities for them. Her children remember helping their mother and father prepare meals and wrap gifts for the residents. It was not uncommon for a resident to tell June that a birthday cake or Christmas present she had given them was the first they had ever received.
In 1980, while working for The Salvation Army in Boston, Fritzie died unexpectedly at the age of forty, from complications following heart surgery. June relocated to New Jersey with their two teenage children while their oldest son, Rusty, was serving in the United States Air Force. She continued her ministry with The Salvation Army at its headquarters in New York City, where she became a source of encouragement, prayer, and practical support to officers serving in the field.
In 1996, June married Major Arthur Carlson. Together, they served in appointments with The Salvation Army in Brooklyn and Upstate New York. During her time in New York, she was privileged to serve alongside other Salvationists, providing food, spiritual support, and counseling to first responders at Ground Zero following the attacks of September 11, 2001.
June loved being a Salvation Army officer, but she hated to move. She always knew blessings lay ahead in her new appointment, but never wanted to leave people she cared about.
When the Carlsons retired in 2004, they settled in Maine and continued to serve The Salvation Army as volunteers in Old Orchard Beach. Unfortunately, June would soon move again, when Arthur’s health issues led them to relocate to Newburgh, New York, to be near family.
In Newburgh, June continued serving the Lord through The Salvation Army on Van Ness Street. She especially loved working on the food truck and connecting with people who were living on the streets. She was quick to pray with those she met, often reminding them, “You are special to God.you can put everything you have in the hands of God. He loves you.”
June lived in Newburgh for 14 years and enjoyed her family and a wonderful network of friends. When Arthur died in 2019, the loving arms of Newburgh Salvation Army soldiers, her sewing guild, LBC Bible study friends, and neighbors enfolded and upheld her.
During the past two years, cancer limited some of June’s activities, but each day she faced her illness with hope and courage. She also expanded her circle of ministry to include every doctor, nurse, and hospital staff who cared for her. In the spring, as her illness advanced, she told her son Jeffrey, “I’m not afraid of dying; I just don’t want to leave.” June’s desire to care for others and invest in their lives never stopped.
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, June went to Heaven. She was “Promoted to Glory,” as they say in The Salvation Army. June leaves behind her children, Rusty, his wife, June; Jeffrey; Pam, her husband, Ron; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and her sister, Edith McHugh of Groton, CT. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Her life was a testimony to her deep love for Jesus Christ and her unwavering desire to serve others in His name. She faithfully answered God’s call at eleven years of age—and everyone who has interacted with her has benefited from that decision.
Visitation for family and friends will take place Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm at Leptondale Bible Church, 1771 Rt. 300, Newburgh, NY 12550.
A Funeral Service will follow at 3:00 pm at the church.
Burial will take place 11:00 am Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at Kenscio Cemetery, 273 Lakeview Avenue, Valhalla, NY 10595.
In lieu of flowers or donations in Brooks memory can be made to the Town of Newburgh Emergency Services at www.tonems.com.
Arrangements are under the care of White, Venuto and Morrill Funeral and Cremation Service, 188 N. Plank Road, Newburgh, NY 12550.