Betty Jane (Owen) Wagner

Betty Owen Wagner, 91, went to be with her heavenly Father on Saturday evening, July 20, 2024, at her Kannapolis residence surrounded by her family. Betty was born on June 30, 1933, in Knox County, TN, daughter of East Miller Owen and Maud Lee Harper. Betty was a graduate of Central High School in the Fountain City neighborhood of Knoxville, TN. She graduated from Knoxville Business College and went to work for the Atomic Energy Commission in Oak Ridge where she would meet her future husband, Charles "Charlie" Wagner, who was stationed there. Betty and Charlie were married on July 16, 1955. Their married life took them to Washington, D.C., Concord, NC, Newark, DE, Wilson, NC, back to Concord in 1965, and finally to Kannapolis in 1969. In 1971, Betty joined Holding Brothers, the local Texaco distributor, where she held several positions, including managing delivery logistics, until her retirement in 1997.
Betty was very involved in her church (Epworth United Methodist Church) and in her community. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Women as a member of the Houck Readling Circle, where she served as treasurer for many years. She was honored by the UMW with a Special Mission Recognition pin, and she received Mother of the Year in 1987. For many years, Betty and Charlie, along with Chunk and Jonnie Petrea, were United Methodist Youth Fellowship Youth Directors. In 2000 and 2007, Betty and Charlie were both chosen as Lay Person of the Year. Betty and friends were instrumental in starting the CARE team at Epworth and leading the Shut-In Ministry. Betty also helped with Fun Fridays. She was a prayer chain participant up until the time her health made her unable to help. Betty is fondly remembered by Epworth friends as being a loyal hotdog sale worker, dessert maker, and prayer blanket crafter, as well as always helping with fundraisers and bereavement meals. Betty was a role model for others at Epworth for what it means to be a servant. She joyfully served others, putting herself last.
In the community, Betty helped deliver Meals on Wheels and volunteered at Cooperative Christian Ministries. She and Charlie worked many overnight shifts together at the night shelter. During her children's high school years, Betty was an active member of the Northwest Cabarrus Boosters Club.
Betty has been described as a natural born encourager. No matter how she or others were feeling or the circumstances in life, Betty relied on her faith and her hope in God to encourage them to press on; that things would get better. Betty treated everyone with kindness, gentleness, and love.
Survivors left to cherish her memory are her son, Scott Charles Wagner and wife, Ann, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and daughter, Connie Wagner Williams and husband, Lee, of Granite Falls, NC. She also leaves two beloved grandchildren, Owen Scott Williams and Carsen Lee Williams. A celebration of Betty's life will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, July 27, at Epworth United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Dennis Marshall. The family will receive friends in the church Fellowship Hall following the service. Memorials may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, Memorial Fund, 1030 Burrage Rd NE, Concord, NC 28025.
Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.