Cora "Jane" Lea

Cora “Jane” Lea, age 81, of Gulfport, passed away peacefully at her beloved apartment, on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Jane was born on October 5, 1944, in Gadsden, AL. She was a resident of Woolmarket for over 30 years. Jane worked as a seamstress and later a bookkeeper. She enjoyed karaoke and dancing.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Edna Clayton; her husband of 30 years, Veston Lea; previous husband of 16 years, Homero “Peppy” Ruiz; siblings, Hershel Clayton, Bobby Clayton, Charles Clayton, her twin, Jerry Clayton, Joyce Harper, and Nancy Harper; and grandson, Bradley Drew Lea.

Jane often spoke of how blessed she was to have never lost a child, Dan Defnall, Jim (Lynn) Defnall, John (Kara) Defnall, Darren (Connie) Lea, and Valerie Lea Reed; grandchildren, Josh, Kristine, Isaiah, Amber, Blake, Chad, Haidyn, and Shawna; and brother, Bruce (Linda) Clayton.

The family would like to thank Paula Mullins and Colleen Stewart for the loving and generous gift of their time and affection in helping to care for Jane in her most vulnerable moments.

A private family service will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery where Jane will be laid to rest next to her husband, Veston Lea. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the family of Cora “Jane” Lea.