Mary Jane Leake's Obituary
Mary “Jane” (Atkins) Leake of Broken Arrow, OK, formerly of Center, MO, passed away surrounded by loved ones at St. Francis Hospital on October 26, 2024.
She was born November 7, 1939 to Kenneth Howard and Erma Nina (Hancock) Atkins in Brookfield, MO. She married Charles Edward Leake on April 23, 1960 in Hannibal, MO. Born unto this union were Charles “Chuck’ Edward Leake II (Jo) Sturgeon, MO, Maria Therisa “Teri” Helberg (John) Broken Arrow, OK, Angelique Deaun “Angel” Dierkes (Jeff) Mulberry Grove, IL.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Brother Kenneth Carol “Buddy” Atkins, and Infant Son.
She is survived by her children, Grandchildren Susan Hayes (Donnie) Palmyra, MO, Rachel Madison (Joey) Perry, MO, Kason Helberg Broken Arrow, OK, Heather Van Duyne (Daniel) Centralia, MO, Jalynn Carden (Larry) Harrah, OK, Heather Ostrom (Brendon) Brighton MI, Jonna Taylor (Gabe) Tulsa, OK. 11 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grandchild, and her beloved Corgi Robin.
Jane studied art at Hannibal La-Grange College, where she was a collegiate dancer and her love for dance continued to grow. She had many careers and occupations throughout her life including, homemaker, dance instructor, Pom Team choreographer for Mark Twain High School, dorm mother at both Missouri School for the Deaf and William Woods University, and fabric specialist at Walmart. She also had a passion for art and spent many hours creating beautiful works across many media. Her works can be seen at M. W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center at Mark Twain Lake, and St. Paul Catholic Church, where she was actively involved in its restoration. In her spare time, she loved gardening.
Jane grew and flourished through the years to become a strong and independent woman who inspired the many people that she encountered. She had a deep passion for family and spent time split between her children and extended family. Her personality and compassion for people allowed her to develop so many long-lasting and meaningful relationships. This gave her so many people who she loved to spend as much time with as possible.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul Cemetery in care of Judy Couch 300 Smith St. Center, MO 63436. The times and date of a Celebration of Life and burial, to be held in Missouri, are still pending.
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