Jannie Mae Carpenter Wagner was born on August 15, 1932 in Cochran, Alabama to Rachel Dent & Henry “Chudi” Carpenter. Jane attended high school at Summerville High and was named Valedictorian of her class in 1952. Later Jane went to Albert Lea, Minnesota to nanny and saved money for college. Jane enrolled in Sioux Falls College in Nursing in 1953 with aspirations to become a missionary. She also pursued several other certifications and courses for higher learning throughout the years.

She married Robert Bud Wagner in 1958. Later, they were blessed with their eldest daughter, Terri Nwokeuku, and several years later they were gifted their second child, Kerri Lewis. Jane was very involved in her church community. A long time member of Sabathani Baptist Church (Greater Friendship MBC), since 1959. Jane held various positions in the church such as Red Circle leader, Missions, Church Historian, Bible School teacher, Church clerk, and a devoted member of the Usher Board.

Jane began working at Honeywell as a financial clerk and worked her way up to accountant. Jane loved finance and went back to school and graduated with a double major in finance and accounting from Augsburg University.

She was committed to impacting the Black community through various memberships and professional organizations such as National Association of Black Accountants Inc. (NABA, Inc.), Honeywell’s Matrix organization, Miss Black Minnesota Pageant Inc., and National Council of Negro Women (NCNW).

Jane traveled often across the country and internationally with great friends and met various celebrities. Jane was a sports enthusiast who happened to be an extreme football & basketball fan. She loved the Vikings, Timberwolves and Lakers and attended many games with friends. Jane especially enjoyed season tickets with her nephew, Renard Carpenter. She enjoyed debating about calls, trades and rankings. Another favorite pastime for Jane was any opportunity to play cards -especially spades- whether in formal tournaments or simply for fun. She thrived in competition.

Jane was preceded in death by both of her parents and her siblings Nancy Moore & Charlie Moore. Jane leaves many loved ones to celebrate her life by both her daughters and her son in laws, Arthur & Terri Nwokeuku and Anthony & Kerri Lewis. Her grandchildren, Renault & Stephanie Nwokeuku, Clenèt & Kalyn Nwokeuku, Chanel Nwokeuku, Antwané Lewis, Aston Nwokeuku, Porsche Nwokeuku, and Serene Lewis. Her 13 great grandchildren Renai Nwokeuku, Isaiah Nwokeuku, Mic’Kaila Nwokeuku, Gianna Nwokeuku, Elisha Nwokeuku, Micah Nwokeuku Miller, Gideon Nwokeuku, Seven Nwokeuku, Khalil Bazley, Brylee Bazley, Israel Nwokeuku, as well as, two new editions on the way later this year, two great-great-granchildren, Zuri Nwokeukue & Zuriah Nwokeuku. She also leaves behind her four eldest nieces and their husbands, Willie & Earlean Hill, Willie & Doris Jones, Thomas & Claudia Jones, Robert & Materia Wilkins and a host of other nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Funeral Service Saturday, March 28, 2026, 11:00am at Faith Tabernacle Fellowship Church, 2025 Dr. Floyd R. Beecham Street, Minneapolis, MN 55411. Public visitation starting at 10:00am

For those interested in watching the service, go to:  https://us04web.zoom.us/j/517278930?pwd=anpxU2phS0NxaTV4WUxYU3hVNDJxdz09

We thank you for your presence.

With love, 

The Lewis & Nwokeuku Family