Jana Kanipe Caldwell, 84, of Morganton, NC, peacefully passed away on October 21, 2025, at her residence. Born January 7, 1941, in Burke County, NC, to Daniel Kanipe and Belle Conley Kanipe, Jana lived a life marked by unwavering faith, dedicated service, and deep devotion to her family and church community. A proud graduate of Olive Hill High School, class of 1958, Jana built a strong work ethic that carried throughout her life. She worked for many years at Carolina Shoe and as a domestic worker, where her reliability and attention to detail earned her respect from all who knew her. Jana's greatest passion was her service to Willow Tree A.M.E. Church, where she was a pillar of faith and leadership for decades. She served as the first president of Stewardess Board #2, a role she embraced with grace and dedication. Her beautiful voice blessed the congregation as a member of the Young Adult Choir, Gospel Choir, and Fifth Sunday Inspirational Choir. Jana also served faithfully on the kitchen committee and as an officer of the WMS for over 8 years, demonstrating her commitment to every aspect of church life. Her dedication to community service extended beyond the church walls as a devoted member of the Oak Hill Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Jana's tireless service was recognized with the 2018 Silver Service Award and the prestigious Sara Jane Avery WMS Award, honors that reflected her lifetime of selfless dedication. As the beloved wife of the late Daniel Caldwell, Jana created a loving home filled with faith and family.

Her legacy lives on through her children: Penelope Caldwell Rutherford (Tony), Danney Christopher Caldwell, and Derrick Leon Caldwell (Dawn). Her love multiplied through ten grandchildren: Anthony E. Rutherford, Danielle N. Caldwell, David V. Caldwell, Victoria Howell, Daulton Caldwell, Antwan Caldwell, Jacob Caldwell, Peyton Caldwell, Daniel Cox, and Sydney Lewis. Her joy continued to grow through nine great-grandchildren: Eugene Rutherford, Diamond Tucker, Destynee Caldwell, Desmond Caldwell, Talaijah Caldwell, Shykim Howell, Jazion Smith, Corbin Caldwell, and Monroe Caldwell; and five great-great-grandchildren: Ariyah Caldwell, Amari Burke, Ky'mir Rowland, Kayden Caldwell, and Kingston Dolinger. She is also survived by her sisters Eloise Kanipe Corpening (James) and Gladys Kanipe. Jana was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Daniel Caldwell, her son David Vincent Caldwell, her granddaughter Amelia Jana Rutherford, her great-grandson Delwyn Smith, and her siblings: Annie Mae Kanipe Avery, Mary Lee Kanipe Collett, Lessie Kanipe Rutherford, Margarie Kanipe Corpening, Grace Kanipe Michaux, Alice Kanipe Jackson, James Kanipe, and Ralph Kanipe. Jana's legacy of faith, service, and family devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her dedication to Willow Tree A.M.E. Church and her community will be remembered for generations to come.

A homegoing celebration will be held Tuesday October 28, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Willow Tree A.M.E. Church with Pastor Douglas Cuthbertson serving as the eulogist; interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

AT MRS. CALDWELL'S PERSONAL REQUEST, THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC VIEWING.