Janie was born on June 18, 1941, in Mississippi to Roy and Della Owens. On May 4, 2026, she

peacefully passed away in Modesto, California, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and

strength.

Janie was a woman of remarkable determination and unwavering work ethic. Throughout

her life, she believed in hard work and serving others with excellence. Janie worked for the

Oakland Police Department and later retired after 30 years of dedication to the United

States Postal Service. While her accomplishments were many, her greatest joy was always

her family.

Janie deeply loved her family and friends, and she made sure they knew it. Whether through

a thoughtful phone call, a heartfelt message, or words of encouragement, she had a special

way of making others feel cared for and supported.

Janie was also a spiritual woman who lived a life rooted in faith. She carried herself with

compassion, wisdom, and strength, instilling those same values into her beloved son Walu

and future generations.

Janie leaves a host of loved ones to honor her memory: her son, Michael Walu Ligon and

wife Doneishia; her grandchildren, Michael Ligon II and wife Wenette, Sheldon Ligon and

wife Yash, Dakotah Rodrigues and husband Samuel, DeAndre Jackson, and Ashanti Ligon;

along with her great-grandchildren, family, and friends.

Janie is survived by her sisters, Cora Lee Ochoa and Betty Washington, and her brother,

Charles Owens. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Della Owens; her

brothers, Earl and Robert Owens; and her sisters, Dorothy Crain and Patricia Owens.

Although Janie is no longer with us, her love, faith, and legacy will continue to live on in the

hearts of all who loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Janie will be laid to rest in her hometown, Delano, California.