Jill B. Lea

Jill Braden Lea, a sweet and generous woman, died peacefully, surrounded by her family at her home in Charlotte on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at the age of 68. Jill was born June 19, 1952, in Charlotte, the daughter of Alonzo “Sparky” and Nora Braden. Growing up in the care of her uncle and aunt, Frank and Kay Braden, her cousins Ron, Jim and Terry became her big brothers. She attended Charlotte High School before moving to California for her final year of school. Jill married Donald “Zauner” Lea on May 9, 1987, and the two enjoyed 33 years of marriage. Their marriage built on a devotion to each other was an example for others to follow. Throughout the years, Zauner and Jill loved to travel both abroad and locally, spending time outdoors camping and fishing. There were many trips to Negril, Jamaica, that helped develop a deeply loving and tight-knit group of friends. Other destinations included numerous trips to Seattle to visit family. Jill will be remembered as a fiercely loyal protector of her family and friends. Her loving and sweet spirit will always remind us of her devotion to all of those in her life. She had a caring personality and would do anything for a friend in need. In her spare time, she enjoyed antiquing and yard sales, tending her flower garden, and picking stones on camping trips to the beach. Jill worked for The Gallery in downtown Charlotte before developing a framing business in her own home. She most recently worked at the Passport Call Center through Peckham Industries in Lansing until her retirement in 2010. Jill will be missed by countless friends and family, who will always remember that “to know Jill was to love Jill.”
Jill is survived by her husband, Donald “Zauner” Lea; siblings, Judy Braden and Jim (Julie) Braden; life-long close cousins, Jim Braden and Terry (Sue) Braden; and niece, Jamie Gurski. She was predeceased by her brother, Jack Braden; cousin, Ron Braden; and her parents.
Friends were encouraged to support Jill’s family at visitation on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home. A private memorial service was held with webcasting on Wednesday, January 20. A larger public gathering will be held when restrictions are eased. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Capital Area Humane Society, or Paws With A Cause. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jill on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.