1963-2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Janet Kay Wagner, who passed away on April 12, 2026, in Graham, Alabama. She was 62 years old.
Janet was born on May 5, 1963, in Fairfield, California, to Mary Williams Columber and the late William David Columber. From an early age, Janet carried a steady strength and a kind spirit that would come to define the way she lived her life and loved her people.
At the center of Janet’s world was her family. She was the devoted wife of Joseph “Joe” Wagner, her partner in life and love, and a proud and loving mother to Emily Cook and her husband, Jon, and Steven Wagner and his wife, Lauren. She found her greatest joy in being Memaw, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. Her grandchildren, Darwin, Marlee, and Launna, were the light of her life, and she poured into them the same love, warmth, and gentle guidance that she gave so freely to everyone around her.
Janet shared a special bond with her mother, Mary, and her brother, David Columber, and his wife, Cheryl. She valued family above all else, cherishing the time spent together, whether in simple, everyday moments or in the laughter-filled gatherings that will now be treasured memories.
In her professional life, Janet served as an Executive Assistant with S.A. Recycling, where she was known for her dedication, reliability, and quiet excellence. She took pride in her work and the relationships she built along the way, leaving a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of working beside her.
Janet’s life was marked by love in its purest form, steady, faithful, and genuine. She didn’t need grand gestures to make an impact; it was found in the way she showed up for her family, the way she listened, and the way she made others feel seen and cared for. Her presence was a gift, and her absence will be deeply felt.
A visitation to honor Janet’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to come together, share memories, and celebrate a life so beautifully lived.
Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that the love Janet gave so freely will continue to live on in each of us.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Janet’s honor through A Living Tribute https://shop.alivingtribute.org/, where a tree can be planted as a lasting symbol of her life—a living tribute that reflects the beauty, strength, and enduring love she shared with all who knew her.
Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Wagner family
