**Courtesy Listing for McLean Funeral Directors - Belmont, NC**

Jane Lovette Leonard, 77, of Belmont, NC, passed away peacefully, yet unexpectedly on October 8, 2026. The daughter of Edward Woodrow Lovette and Dapathana Lee Lewis Lovette, Jane was born and raised in Burlington, NC, where she attended Walter M. Williams High School and was as proud member of The Boot Girls Performance Group there. She then attended the Hardbarger Junior College of Business in Raleigh, NC.

After completing her education, Jane began her career as secretary to the mayor of Cary, NC. She had two children, Brad and Heather Hatcher, from her first marriage during which the family moved to Gastonia, NC in the 1980s. After devoting her time during her children’s early years as a school grade parent and volunteer to their many activities, she returned to an earlier calling to become a Certified Medical Assistant and worked in healthcare for many years.

In 1996, she married Bob Leonard. Their love story began on the heels of heartbreak, when life had already taught them about loss and the courage it takes to open one’s heart again. What they built together over their 30 years of marriage was much more than a blended family that included Jane’s son and daughter Brad and Heather and Bob's son Ian. For Bob, Jane, Brad, Heather, and Ian, there was only family—the people you love, the people you show up for, and the people you choose, day after day, to hold close.

Tragedy struck with Brad’s untimely death in October 1999.This was another difficult challenge Jane overcame with the remarkable resilience she demonstrated throughout her life. Her never-wavering ability to overcome adversity and her love for good music and dancing—especially shag dancing—punctuated a life well lived. A significant part of that life was the beauty she created around her, whether by decorating her home or expressing herself through her tasteful and timeless personal style.

Perhaps her greatest joy in life was being “Grammy” to her 3 grandchildren, Maggie (20), Alex (16) and Emma Kate (13). Whether playing Trouble or cheering them on at various sporting, choral, or band events, she loved spending time with them and regaling others with their stories.

Jane was preceded in death by her son Brad Hatcher of Raleigh, NC; brother Jerry Lovette of Gainesville, FL; and her parents Edward and Dapathana Lovette of Burlington NC.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Bob Leonard of Belmont NC; her daughter Heather, son-in-law Tripp and their children Maggie, Alex and Emma Kate of Cramerton, NC; and her son Ian Leonard of Charlotte, NC; her sister Debbie Turner of Graham, NC; her brother Bill Lovette of Burlington, NC and her sister-in-law Lee Lovette of Lakeland, FL.

Funeral services will be held at Friendship Baptist Church, 5008 South New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC on Saturday, October 17, 2026 with visitation at 1:00 pm and the funeral at 2:30 pm. A graveside service will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Belmont, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friendship Baptist Church Building Fund (Belmont) or Samaritan's Purse.

Prayerful thoughts and heartfelt messages may be left at www.mcleanfuneral.com.