Jean Kearney McLeod

Jean K. McLeod, 83, left us to be with our Lord on December 2, 2025. She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, John Sr; her children, Pattie, John Jr. (Tracey), Michael (Rachel), Kathy (Jim), and Karen; her granddaughters Emily, Ava, Chloe, and Mia; her brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Beth McLeod; her sister-in-law Mary Anne Kearney; and cherished friends Charles Gernazian and Aimee Etheridge. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.

Jean was preceded by her parents, Helen and Frank Kearnery; her brother Budge; and her sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Edward Campbell.

A Tampa native, her family were founding members of Christ the King Catholic Church, where Jean graduated with the school’s first class. She attended Loyola University in New Orleans where she met the love of her life and married him. Jean and John raised their family together living in many cities including New Orleans (2 yrs), Chattanooga (3 yrs), Montgomery (3 yrs), Birmingham (1yr), Atlanta (16 yrs), and then returning to Tampa.

Jean was warm, joyful, and endlessly giving. She had a gift for lifting spirits and making even ordinary moments feel special. Jean was deeply proud of her children and grandchildren, and loved celebrating their achievements. She was a huge Tampa Bay Lightning and Georgia Bulldogs fan. One of her favorite past times was taking her Boston Whaler on old Tampa Bay with friends and having fun.

Jean will be forever loved and deeply missed by her family and by the many friends whose lives were brightened by her joyful spirit.

There will be a visitation at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 N Himes Ave, on Saturday December 13th at 11:15 am. The Funeral Mass follows at 12:00 pm and Jean will then be laid to rest at 2:00 pm at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, E Sligh Ave, Seffner, FL 33584.