Jane Breazeale Somerville

Jane Breazeale Somerville, 82, of Laurinburg, NC passed away peacefully in her home on September 21, 2025. Jane was born Sept 16, 1943, to Lilla Johnstone Breazeale and William Clay Breazeale. She was the oldest of two siblings: Ramsay D. Breazeale and Elizabeth Y. Stills.

She grew up in Asheville, NC and attended King College (1961-1965) in Bristol, Tennessee. Her senior year, she was voted Dogwood Queen for the annual Dogwood Festival. After graduating with a major in History, she began her teaching career in South Carolina, positively influencing the lives of many young people, both in- and outside of the classroom.

She married her college math professor, William (Bill) H. Somerville, on April 13, 1968 in Asheville, NC.

Upon moving to Laurinburg, NC, Jane took a reprieve from teaching to raise her two young daughters (Lilla and Laura) while Bill taught at St. Andrews Presbyterian College. Jane continued to support other young people: providing a safe haven for three different foster children over the years, tutoring English in Liberia West Africa, and hosting Bill's college students with a home-cooked meal around the dinner table (complete with laughter and her famous sweet tea).

Jane eventually returned to her love of teaching (social studies, reading, english) at I. Ellis Johnson Middle School in Laurinburg. Former students share: "of all the teachers I had, I recall the most from my class with Jane", "Mrs. Somerville was a wonderful teacher that showed loved for all of us". After retirement from teaching, Jane spent several years supporting the community with her newly-acquired Real Estate expertise.

Jane was predeceased by her husband (Bill), her youngest daughter (Laura Gray Somerville Woodall), and her brother (Ramsay). She is survived by her oldest daughter, Lilla Somerville Marhefka, her sister (Elizabeth), and her beloved grandchildren (Amelia Gray Woodall and Abigail McIver Woodall).

*Jane's bubbly spirit and laughter will be remembered*
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Friends and family are invited to gather to share memories and companionship:
"A Casual Gathering in Remembrance of Jane B. Somerville"
Sat Oct 25th, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Fellowship Hall, Laurinburg Presbyterian Church
600 W. Church Street
Laurinburg, NC 28352
(910) 276-0831

Flower arrangements may be sent to the church Oct 22nd -24th to adorn the Fellowship Hall for her Gathering.