Janice Leonard Wagner

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, our beloved Janice Leonard Wagner joined her Lord & Savior following a period of declining health.

Janice, known to many as Gammaw, was born in Davidson County in 1938 to Willie Alex Leonard and Edith Smith Leonard. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward Dale Wagner (her high school sweetheart), sister, Mildred Wall; and sister, Joan Bodenhamer.

Janice was a teacher with Burke County Schools for many years and thoroughly enjoyed each and every child she got the opportunity to teach. In addition to teaching, she had a passion for crafts; you could find her sewing, painting, or gardening in her free time. Above all though, what she loved the most, was spending quality time with her family.

Janice leaves behind to cherish her memory, two children: Teresa Wagner Kirksey (Lee); and Michael (Mike) Dale Wagner; brother, William Ronald (Pete) Leonard; grandson, Miles Taylor Kirksey; granddaughter, Megan Leigh House (Justin); grandson, Zachary Blake Wagner (Katie); granddaughter, Heather Ashley Michaels (Codey); and five great grandchildren, Brynlee House, Abram House, Halston House, Phoenix Wagner, and Blake Wagner.

The family will not have a formal visitation, and a private family service will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at Amorem Hospice for taking great care of Janice. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Janice’s memory are asked to consider a donation to Amorem Hospice of Burke County.

Sossoman Funeral Service & Crematory is assisting the Wagner family.