Dr. Lea Carroll Montgomery Farese, 40, of Oxford, passed away along with her beloved husband, Dr. Jason P. Farese on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016, in a plane crash in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, while traveling back to Oxford from a dental conference. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016, at 3 p.m. at Oxford-University United Methodist Church with the Rev. Eddie Rester and the Rev. Chris McAllily officiating. A private family interment will follow in St. Peter’s Memorial Columbarium. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m. in the Activities Center at the church. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Born on June 12, 1976, Lea was a native of Pearl. She graduated from Pearl High School and was a 1998 graduate of Belhaven College in Jackson. Dr. Farese obtained her dental degree from the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry in 2004. She met her husband, Jason, while in dental school and they married in 2002. Dr. Farese practiced dentistry for one and a half years at the North Benton County Health Center. Lea and her husband Jason have been providing dental care for the residents of Oxford and surrounding areas since 2004 at Farese Family Dental. Dr. Farese is a member of the American Dental Association, Mississippi Dental Association, American Association of Women Dentists and the Tri-Lakes Study Club.

Lea was a dedicated wife, mom and friend who enjoyed life. She set a marvelous example for her three young children to always see the good in all. It was her nature to be compassionate and generous. She happily volunteered in the Oxford-University Methodist Church Youth Group. Her untimely passing leaves a tragic void in this world. Lea enjoyed waterskiing, reading, gardening and spending time with her family.

Lea is survived by her greatest achievements, her children, Luke (10), Alexa (7), and Layla (5); mother, Myra Hardy and her husband Robert Hardy; father, Nick Montgomery and his wife Betty Montgomery; and her brother Jay Montgomery and his wife Mary Montgomery; nieces Emma and Nicole; she has many aunts, uncles, and cousins who she was close to and countless people lucky enough to call Lea friend.

Memorial contributions in Lea’s memory may be made to Our Oxford Family Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1234, Oxford, MS 38655, which has been established to benefit her children.

For additional information or to sign an online guestbook, visit our website at www.wallerfuneralhome.com or call 662-234-7971.