I have fought long and hard for my Lord, and through it all I have kept true to him. And now the time has come for me to stop fighting and rest. In heaven a crown is waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And not just to me but to all those whose lives show that they are eagerly looking forward to his coming back again. ~ 2nd Timothy 7-8 (TLB)

Mrs. Jane Sandra Dubose Penn, the daughter of the late Rosa Lee Dubose and James Leak, was born on August 1, 1951, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, ended her earthly journey and was called to her heavenly home on March 30, 2022.

Jane attended Atkins High School and with a desire to advance her knowledge, she attended Salem College majoring in Communication and Media Studies.

Jane married the love of her life, Waddell Penn Jr, and to this union four children were born.

Jane was a dedicated member of Ambassador Cathedral where she served faithfully for over 50 years.  Her commitment to her church was a valuable part of her life in her being a member of the Ambassadors for Christ Choir, the Messengers ( missionary department ) and the Special Projects committee.  Her recent service includes her current stint on the Christian Education committee where she has worked with kids for years and on the Women's Guild.  She has also been a consummate team player and has assisted ministries over the years with choir fundraisers, event planning for the former Bishop Frederick D. Patterson's birthday celebrations, the Cathedral Gazette newspaper, bulletin boards for Black history, and more.

Jane shared her talents as a playwright and poet regionally. She led poetry workshops and writing seminars locally and directed and/or produced plays at Ambassador Cathedral.  A few of her J. PennE's creations include Magnolia Magnolia, Conversion of Saul, Soliloquy of Mary and Coming Home.  Jane was an entrepreneur in owning her own business downtown, J PennE's Gifts and Collectibles.  She was also a host of two television programs on the former CAT TV network, Diamond in the Rough and Writers, Poets and Friends .

In the community, Jane served as a volunteer and Vice Chair of the African American Heritage Initiative in the education sector. She also volunteered as the Secretary of With God Crew Incorporated, a grassroot organization committed to giving compassionate relief in the community. Jane has led local poetry workshops including one at the local YMCA.  Jane loved serving the elderly through nursing home visits and providing seniors snacks. She previously participated in ministries sharing the gospel at the former Rolling Hills Apartments and also served Hope Lunches to the youth.  She was the president of the Shepherd Mothers of the community gospel group, Willie Mason and Friends and enjoyed traveling with the choir on their annual tours – always enjoying the fellowship and the community impact projects.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Johnny Dubose, Andreana Dubose Little and Joseph Flowers; and fiancé, Tommy Ferguson.

Her loving memories will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Waddell Penn, III (Jennifer), Anthony Penn, Lawandria Penn Cook (Benjamin), and Casaundria Penn Wright (Norman); her grandchildren, Janine Penn, Waddell Penn IV, Savonna King, Ashton Penn Tucker, Ari Jenkins, Benjamin Cook and Raegan Wright; her brother, Charles Dubose (Karen); her sisters, Shirley Allen (Edward), Pauline Allen (Willis), and Carolyn Carson (Albert); her sister-in-love, Beverly Kennedy; her special friends, Peculiar Sprinkle, Sharon Smalls, Vina Johnson, Euradell Fears and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, the Ambassador Cathedral and Willie Mason and Friends' families.

Viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at Russell Funeral Home.

A family visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at Ambassador Cathedral, Inc. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.