I don’t think we got through many “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” rehearsals without teasing each other and laughing ourselves to tears. That experience with you, Janet and Tim is precious to me. It changed me (no pun intended) forever. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I wrote the following of you back then. “Leesa Jones Schoeberle. I could begin with any number of ‘short’ jokes, all of which I’m sure she’s heard a million times over because ‘I… well… think… Look, she’s just the most… shortest woman I’ve kissed in ages. Certainly the best tennis player.’ Leesa brings an energy and a flare to a production. Glamour. Esteem. Quality. There’s something legit about doing a production with Leesa. You know she’s going to take you to a higher level (and it’s not because you’re taller than she is). She’s the tallest woman on stage! Forever my ‘Babe.'” Love you, Leesa. — To Leesa, June 21, 2012 from Jeff Hartman, Artistic Director

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Leesa Jones Schoeberle

Leesa Jones Schoeberle (Sept. 20, 1961 to June 22, 2012), 50, of Morganton died Friday, June 22, 2012. She was born in Henderson County on September 20, 1961 and was a daughter of Minnie Lee Jones of Hendersonville and the late Edgar “Wimpy” Odell Jones. In addition to her father, Leesa was preceded in death by her brother, Eddie Jones. As a speech language pathologist, she worked at J. Iverson Riddle Institute and several Burke County Schools, most recently at N. Liberty School. She was an accomplished actress, singer, and dancer, having studied at Ann Freeman Dance Academy for many years, and was well-known in the theater scene in the greater Hickory area. Leesa was also an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed cycling and was a member of the Healing Dragon Boat Team of Lake James. She also enjoyed spending time at the Betty Boop Bungalow, her camper, in Pineola. She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church where she was a member of the choir. Leesa will be remembered for many things, but most of all she will be remembered for her tenacity in the face of difficult and great obstacles, her living each day to the fullest, and her decision to choose joy. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her. Surviving in addition to her mother are her husband, Stephen Schoeberle; children, Gloria and Thomas Schoeberle all of the home; and her sister, Rita Jordan and husband, Tim, of Wake County; and her niece, Kaylee.A funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 28, 2012 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington and Dr. Tina Brookes officiating. The family will receive and gather friends for a luau-themed celebration of Leesa’s life from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Tuesday evening at Sossoman Funeral Home. Please dress accordingly. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 728 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655, Hope Women’s Cancer Center, P.O. Box 16948, Asheville, NC 28816, North Liberty School, 523 Enola Road, Morganton NC 28655, or to the Healing Dragons of Lake James, 103 Ann St., Morganton, NC 28655.