Jessie Marie Wagner

1950 - 2024

Jessie Marie Wagner was born on March 15th, 1950 in the village of Norte Grande on the island of Sao Jorge in the Portuguese Azores to her parents, Manuel and Paulina Luis. When she was 11 years old, she and her family emigrated to the United States, soon settling in Modesto. She attended her first two years of high school at Oakdale High, and transferred to the brand new Riverbank High School when it opened, becoming part of its first graduating class in 1969.

Her sweetheart Charles Wagner lived and grew up right down the street from her on Parker Road. They were married on June 6, 1970, and bought their first house together in Modesto in 1971. Jessie gave birth to her son Christopher in 1972, followed by her daughter Julie in 1976. In 1978, Jessie and her family moved out to the small ranch on Parker Road where Charles grew up, living and raising her family there for most of her life. She was a full time mother and homemaker, devoting her time and energies to her family.

Jessie struggled with bi-polar disorder throughout her life. However, she was active in all kinds of pursuits, including many part time jobs, bible studies, prayer groups, other social events and service projects to whatever degree her health permitted. She was a devoted wife and mother, and did her best to take care of her husband and family. Jesus Christ was at the center of her heart and life, and her faith in Him was an anchor and comfort to her through the many difficult phases of her illness. She was an active member here at La Loma Grace though most of her adult life, and had a knack for befriending and helping all kinds of people.

Jessie passed into the presence of Christ on September 11th, 2024, surrounded by her husband, friends and family.

Jessie is preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Paulina Luis, and her brother Louis Luis. She is survived by her husband Charles Wagner; her brother and sisters Maria Azevedo, Gilbert Luis, Audrey McCormack, Ellie Shepard, and Mike Luis; her children Chris Wagner and Julie Oliver; her grandchildren John Wagner, Elijah Oliver, Maxwell Wagner, Isaiah Oliver, Emma Wagner, and Ella Williams; and her great-grandchildren Parker Oliver and William Wagner.

The family is so grateful for all the love and support. How wonderful to rest our hope in Jesus and the promise that we will be able to be in his presence someday with Jessie again.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, September 26th, 2024 at Eaton Family Funeral located at 513 12th St, Modesto, California from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

A memorial service to celebrate Jessie's life will be held on Friday, September 27th at La Loma Grace Community Church at 1315 La Loma Ave in Modesto, California at 11 a.m.