Jane Elaine Jennings

Jane Elaine Jennings (née Bradley), age 68, passed away on April 12, 2025, in Mint Hill, North Carolina. Born on October 16, 1956, in Tryon, North Carolina, Janes life was rooted deeply in the mountains she loved and the values she carried from her upbringing on the family farm.

Jane was a woman of quiet strength and enduring love. Soft-spoken and kind, she often kept to herself, especially in her later years, but her presence was a steady source of warmth and comfort to those who knew her. She took immense pride in her mountain heritage, often reflecting on how growing up with her siblings on the family farm taught her about love, hard work, and resilience.

As a single mother for much of her life, Jane worked tirelessly to provide for her daughter. She held many roles over the years—factory worker, seamstress, waitress, CNA, and private duty caregiver—always doing what was necessary to ensure her daughter had what truly mattered: love, support, and guidance. Though life was not always easy, Jane never wavered in her devotion. She was a fierce protector and a steadfast cheerleader for her daughter—offering advice drawn from her own experiences and mistakes in hopes of sparing others the same hardships.

Jane is survived by her beloved daughter Jennifer Bradley Stuhre and son-in-law Jason Stuhre of Mint Hill, North Carolina. Her legacy continues through her siblings: oldest brother Jimmie Bradley and his wife Theresa Bradley of Maryville, Tennessee; sister Diana Kimbrell and husband Rodger Kimbrell of Crestview, Florida; and youngest brother Joey Bradley of Morganton, North Carolina.

She also leaves behind five nieces and nephews and their families: Brian Kimbrell and his wife Mary Christiansen Kimbrell of Huntsville, Alabama, along with their children Emily Kimbrell Morgan, Mackenzie, and Rogan; Jeremy Kimbrell and Niki Cirone of Hudson, Florida; Toby Kimbrell of Crestview, Florida; Susan Bradley Stephenson and her husband Adam Stephenson with their children Loralai and Bradley; Jessica Bradley Cagle and her husband Tommy Cagle with their children Andrew Cagle (wife Hannah Cagle) and grandchildren Chloe and Charlotte; Anna Cagle Jefferson and husband Melvin Jefferson; and Zachary Merino-Puzul Cagle with wife Daniela Merino-Puzul Cagle.

Jane was predeceased by her grandmother Cleopatra Parrott-Higgins; father Haynes Bradley; mother Hazel Higgins Bradley; and brother Jackie L. Bradley.

Her love extended beyond people to animals of all kinds. Jane had a lifelong affection for pets—from cats and dogs to bunnies and birds. Her home was always shared with creatures great or small—even a duck during childhood—and she found joy in caring for them throughout her life.

She cherished the outdoors and found peace in nature. Camping trips, fishing outings, long walks, and explorations were among her favorite pastimes. Some of her most treasured memories were made in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Chimney Rock—places where she felt most at home beneath the blue ridge sky.

A devoted NASCAR fan, Jane especially admired Dale Earnhardt. Her passion for racing was well known among those close to her—so much so that she proudly displayed a life-size cutout of Earnhardt in her home for years. Watching races became a beloved ritual—even if she occasionally dozed off mid-lap.

A memorial service honoring Jane’s life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at McEwen Funeral Service–Mint Hill located at 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd., Mint Hill, North Carolina 28227. The family will receive friends beginning at 3:00 p.m., with the service to follow at 4:00 p.m.

Jane has a highly regarded legacy is one of quiet perseverance, unconditional love, deep-rooted strength, and gentle wisdom. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her—and may the mountains always echo with the spirit of the woman who called them home.