Mary Jane Miller Leavitt, 91, of Florence, Alabama, passed away Friday, July 7, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, on April 8, 1932. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Martin Leavitt, son, James Edward Leavitt, grandson, James Rickman Lane, parents Walter Joseph Miller and Mary Craig Miller, and brothers John Walter Miller and James Allen Miller.
Jane is survived by her sons, Jay of Richmond, VA., Joey of Florence, Jerry (Laura), of Florence, and Jeff (Julie), of Decatur; daughters Janel (Eric) Chapman of Baton Rouge, LA., Joan (John) Lane of Florence, Jeanne (Billy) Reid, of Florence, and Janice (Robert) Pride, of Florence; daughter in law Kelly Jeter Leavitt of Forest Grove, OR., sister Janet Burt of Aitken, MN and brother, Jerry Miller of Bloomington, MN.
Mrs. Leavitt was the proud grandmother “Momo” of Mary Margaret (Ben) Wright; Lauren (Darren) Kyle, Katie (Alex Larson) Leavitt, James Leavitt; Miller (Grace) Leavitt, Anne Ryan (Grant) Cavin, Sydney Leavitt, Hill Leavitt, Sylvia (Joey) Carroll, Emily (Laurence) Carmichael; Brigette (Corey) Thomas, Jared (Nina) Chapman, Michael Chapman; Martin Leavitt, Morgan (Collin) White; Isabelle (Evan) Strother, Claire (Adam) Millhouse, Sophie Leavitt; Thomas, Jeffrey, Anne Holland and Mary Elizabeth Lane; Mattie Reid, Abba (Nate) Reed and Walton Reid; Robert, Harris and Jack Pride and nine great grandchildren.
Jane Leavitt attended Itasca College and graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Radiological Technology School in Duluth, MN. Jane was employed by the Parson’s Research Company where she met Jack, her husband of 56 years. After their marriage, Jack’s career took them to several cities across the country. They lived in Palo Alto, CA, Jackson Heights, NY, Cincinnati, OH, Anchorage, AK and finally settling in Florence, AL where they resided since 1964.
Jane embraced her role as a mother and grandmother with unconditional love and unwavering strength. Her selflessness was inspirational to all. After raising her 9 children, Jane worked as a secretary at St. Joseph Regional School and was later employed at ECM hospital and several Shoals Area medical physicians as an X-Ray technologist. She was an active participant in many of her children’s activities including the Florence Swim Team, Florence Little League, and Bradshaw High School Boosters Club. Jane was active within her church family at St. Joseph Catholic Church where she served in many leadership roles. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the values she instilled in each of us will continue to guide and inspire future generations.
The family would like to give special thanks to BeBe’s In Home Care, especially Amanda and Aubrie, and the neighbors who have graciously watched over her for many years.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 10:00 AM in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall. Mass will be held at 11:30 with graveside following in Greenview Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The United Cerebral Palsy Center, 507 N Hook Street, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 or St. Vincent DePaul, 659 South Poplar Street, AL 35630.
