At 98, This Lubbock Bowler Is Still Showing Everyone How It’s Done

If you ever need proof that age is really only a number, you might want to meet June Burr.

June is 98 years old, turning 99 in May, and she's still hitting bowling lanes in Lubbock with her women's league. She averages scores in the 130s, which, according to my mother, is enough to make others pretty jealous.

My mom is one of June's fellow bowlers, and she's been bragging about a 98-year-old who keeps showing up and throwing those heavy balls like it's no big deal.

I had to learn more about June, so I dropped by Whitewood Lanes for a little visit.

June Burr, Photo Credit: C. Covington

June has been bowling her whole life. She's also a retired kindergarten teacher, originally from Washington, who moved to Lubbock 5 years ago and now lives at Carillon House, where she has nothing but good things to say about the food and the staff.

So, what's the secret to still bowling at 98?

According to June, it's pretty simple: don't smoke, don't drink, eat healthy, and get plenty of rest.

Of course, there's another ingredient that doesn't fit neatly into a health checklist: keep doing things you love.

June Burr, Photo Credit: C. Covington

June still gets together with her fellow bowlers, still gets out there and competes, and apparently, still has enough game to, at times, make my mother feel a wee bit inadequate. (Sorry, Mom!)

There's something pretty wonderful about it all.

At 98, June isn't sitting around and waiting for life to slow her down. She's still participating, one frame, one strike, and one rather impressive score at a time.

C. Covington

That's part of what makes her so special to the women she bowls with.

My mom could have simply told me about a 98-year-old woman who bowls really well, but she couldn't stop talking about June. When I visited the league today, it was clear that she is admired not only by my mother, but by everyone around her. That's what makes stories like hers so special.

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Sometimes the people we meet doing something as ordinary as bowling become a reminder that getting older doesn't mean giving up on the things that bring you joy.

June is still showing up, still making friends, and still giving other bowlers a run for their money.

And when June turns 99 next May, I bet I know how she'll celebrate: surrounded by friends, with a bowling ball in hand.