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Janie Mae Jefferson

October 4, 1937 - May 11, 2026
Visitation
Holy Cathedral Church of God In Christ
2677 North 40th Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53210
(414) 447-1967 |
Thursday 5/21, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Service
Holy Cathedral Church of God In Christ
2677 North 40th Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53210
(414) 447-1967 |
Thursday 5/21, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Graceland Cemetery
6401 North 43rd Street
Milwaukee, WI 53209
Thursday 5/21

Procession after Services.

Janie Mae Jefferson (October 4, 1937 – May 11, 2026)

Janie Mae Jefferson, age 88, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026 with her family by her side. In a final act of love, she gave her children and grandchildren one last Mother’s Day with her before passing.

Janie was born on October 4, 1937, in Quitman County, Mississippi, to Katherleen and Willie James Carlisle. She attended Jonestown Primary and Jonestown Secondary schools. From an early age, her connection to the Johnson family’s ancestral land inspired a lifelong love for the outdoors. She especially enjoyed gardening, walking, birdwatching, fishing, outdoor cookouts, and spending evenings people-watching from her front porch. Beyond her love of nature, Janie also found joy in child-care, hair styling and all things cuisine.

Janie married James Jefferson on June 10, 1956 in Marks Mississippi. Together, they built a life in Quitman County, Mississippi, before later settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A devoted wife and loving mother, Janie dedicated her life to caring for her family as a homemaker. She was well known for her powerful hugs that conveyed comfort, sincerity, and unconditional love. The comforting aroma of her home-cooked meals drifted from the front porch as her children returned home from school. Her famous fried chicken was often shared with the neighborhood children. Aside from her unforgettable home cooking, Janie nourished her children with love and grace. She instilled in them a strong faith in God, kindness toward others, unwavering integrity, and the importance of always supporting one another.

Janie had a deep and abiding relationship with God from an early age, beginning at her childhood church, Eagle Grove Baptist Church. In 1978, she became a faithful member of Salem Rest Church of God in Christ, where she served under the leadership of Senior Pastor Elder James A. Robinson and, more recently, Elder Robert Johnson. As a devoted church mother and Sunday school teacher, Mother Jefferson shared wisdom, kindness, and spiritual guidance with countless people throughout the years. Her Salem Rest church family was near and dear to her heart. Her faith was woven into every part of her life, and her family often knew she was deep in prayer when they heard her singing in the kitchen while preparing meals. Among her favorite praise songs were “Lord, Lord, Lord” and “He’s Sweet I Know.”

Janie leaves to cherish her memory her husband, James Sr. her children: Thomas, Delores (James E.), Janet, Mary, James Jr, Danny (Joaquina), Diane (Charles), and Tyrone (Claudette); her grandchildren: Melvin (Payrris), Tamecia (JaWayne), Corey, LaTasha, LaShonda (Michael), Sharrise (Doug), Steven, Erica, Isaiah, Thandi (Marcel), Tyla, Jaylen, Justin, Ashley, Jamia, and a host of great-grandchildren; as well as her siblings: Sadie, Willie James, and Sam along with countless nieces, nephews, and cousins,

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie James and Katherleen Carlisle; her daughter Carolyn Denise; daughter-in-love, Michelle “Fran”; and her siblings, Ben Chester, Catherine, Marie, Julius, and Nan Ella.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21st, at Holy Cathedral Church of God, 2677 North 40th Street, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 10:00 AM until the time of Service at 11:00 AM. Procession to Graceland Cemetery to follow.

 

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Smiling graduate in a cap and gown holds her diploma, flanked by two adults (woman with pink roses, man in a hat) in front of a bulletin-board backdrop.
Two women smiling at the camera indoors, one in a white turtleneck and the other in a purple blazer with a black top beneath.
Two women smiling with a baby in white on a sofa in a living room.
Four adults posing together indoors, smiling at the camera; the man second from the left wears a colorful patchwork jacket covered in logos.
Head-and-shoulders portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair, looking at the camera.
Woman wearing glasses smiling while holding a small fluffy dog in her arms, plant leaves in the foreground.
Five women smiling at a restaurant table with tall glasses of lemonade and lemon wedges, seated in a booth.
Group of diverse friends posing for a photo at a restaurant table, smiling with plates and drinks in front of them.
Two people sit close together on a dark leather sofa in a living room, smiling at the camera with one making a peace sign.
Smiling woman wearing a beige sweater and a leopard-patterned scarf, with a brown purse strap over her shoulder, indoors.
Grandmother seated in a patterned beige chair holds a baby dressed in red polka-dot pants and a white bib in a cozy living room.
Three women pose together in front of a pink floral backdrop with a 'Happy Mother’s Day' banner, dressed in formal outfits.
Six people sit together on a concrete ledge outdoors, smiling at the camera under a shaded pavilion.
Two women posing together and smiling, one in a yellow blazer and white blouse, the other in a red suit jacket.
Three people stand together outdoors, smiling, in front of a black railing with green trees behind them.
Woman seated on a sofa, smiling as she cradles a newborn baby dressed in white. A dark purse rests on the couch behind them.
Bride in a white strapless gown walking arm-in-arm with an elderly man in a suit at an outdoor wedding, surrounded by guests.
Older woman seated in a blue floral top among four standing women in a cozy indoor setting, all smiling at the camera.
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Four adults posing together at a celebration; the bride in a white lace dress holds a pink bouquet, flanked by two guests in suits and lavender outfits.
A multi-generational family posing together at an outdoor event, dressed in formal red, cream, and pink outfits, smiling at the camera.
Three people posing together by a pond in a park, smiling at the camera.
Elderly woman seated beside a man who has his arm around her in a living room; both smiling at the camera, man wearing a cap with 'LM' and a graphic tee.
Two women sit close together on a beige armchair, smiling at the camera; older woman wears a patterned jacket, younger woman in a gray hoodie grip hands.
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An elderly woman sits in a beige armchair, smiling, with a man kneeling beside her and his arm around her shoulders in a living-room setting.
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Two women pose for a photo on a living room sofa, smiling as the younger woman hugs the older woman from behind.
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Two people sit on a beige sofa in a living room sharing a meal, with sandwiches on a tray in front.
A trio of family members sits on a couch for a warm living-room portrait: a grandmother on the right, a woman with glasses on the left, and a smiling child in the middle holding hands with both adults, with a lamp and curtains in the background.
Young woman in a dark hoodie hugs an older woman in a blue-and-white patterned shawl, seated in a living room with a wooden cabinet behind them.
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Two people in the foreground smiling for a selfie on a sunny day, with a grassy path and other walkers in the background.
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Group of eight adults posing together on a sofa in a living room, smiling at the camera, casual family photo in a home setting.
Five women smile and chat around a round table in a diner booth, with plates of breakfast and drinks visible.
Three adults sit on couches in a cozy living room, smiling, with a snack-filled coffee table in front of them.
A group of people sitting on a porch with a baby, snacks and drinks on a tiled table nearby, outdoors with sheds in the background (aluminum siding).
Diverse group of adults and children posing outdoors under a pavilion, smiling for a group photo.
Three women sit at an outdoor cafe table under a large black umbrella, enjoying drinks and food on a sunny street.
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Three people sit around a dining table with fruit, drinks, and foods, smiling indoors near a warm hearth. The room has exposed wooden ceiling beams.
Two women share a hug in a bright kitchen during Christmas; one seated in a striped shirt, the other in a festive Christmas sweater with glasses, holding a soda can.
Four people posing and smiling in a church sanctuary, with a young girl in front wearing a navy polka-dot jacket and white skirt. Women stand behind her in bright outfits (yellow dress, green jacket, and brown dress with a white cardigan).
Three women stand together in a church interior, arm in arm, smiling at the camera. The center woman wears a green blazer with black skirt, flanked by a woman in a black polka-dot dress and a woman in a yellow dress with a beige bag.
Six women of different ages posing together indoors, smiling for a group photo.
Woman in a pink top and long blue skirt stands beside a brown sign reading 'The Johnson Family' in a sunny garden with green plants nearby.
Two elderly women sit on ornate black metal chairs on a porch, with a white wall and a decorative 'Stewart' sign and butterfly wall art behind them.
Three women sit at a blue table, smiling and looking at a shared device; left wears a yellow floral dress, middle in black, right in a dark patterned top, with name tags and a plastic bag on the table in a room with red-and-white curtains.
Two smiling women embrace at a community gathering, with tables set for a meal in the background.
Two elderly women sit close together on a carved sofa; one wears a yellow floral dress, the other a bright multicolored top with a leafy plant overhead.
Smiling elderly woman sits at a table with two white piggy bank figurines wearing red scarves beside her in a patterned room setting.
Smiling older woman in a beige blazer sits at a reception desk with pink orchid decor on the counter.
Two elderly people sit in a cozy living room—a man on a sofa left and a woman in a patterned chair on the right, smiling.
Three women sit close together on a couch indoors, smiling at the camera.
Group of five people gathered in a living room, smiling around an elderly woman sitting on an orange sofa wearing a floral blouse and red head wrap.
Three adults posing with an elderly woman in a living room, standing on either side of her near a patterned chair and Christmas tree.
Two women smiling during a video call, one standing and the other seated with a bouquet of lilies on a couch in the background
Two women smiling at the camera, posing closely together in a warm, indoor setting.
An elderly couple standing together at a formal event, woman in a lavender dress and scarf, man in a dark suit with a purple boutonniere.
Bride and groom pose with family at a formal wedding reception, everyone dressed in elegant attire.
Three women in pink lace dresses posing together and smiling at the camera with a neutral backdrop.
Smiling woman with braided hair wearing a light patterned blouse, seated indoors among others.
Nine adults posing for a group photo, five standing in back and four seated, smiling at the camera.
Older woman wearing a black hat sits on a beige sofa with a smiling baby and a young girl flashing a peace sign in a living room setting.
Three generations posing together on a couch: an elderly woman in a pink headwrap and floral dress, flanked by two younger women smiling warmly.
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Smiling woman in a floral white top holding a bouquet of red flowers, accompanied by two children in a kitchen—girl in a white sleeveless top with pink butterflies sitting on a chair and boy in a red shirt standing behind her.
Three women posing together indoors: an elderly woman in a pink blazer seated between two smiling younger women, one in a white dress and the other in a mustard dress, with a wine rack and wooden cabinets in the background.
Selfie of a smiling man in a gray shirt and cap in the foreground, with a smiling woman in a yellow floral dress in the living room behind him by a doorway to a cozy family room.
Smiling man kneels beside an elderly woman sitting in a beige patterned armchair in a sunlit living room.
Two people smiling and hugging on a sofa in a cozy living room, capturing a warm moment together.
Two women smile and pose with their arms around each other; the younger woman holds a bouquet of peach and pink roses indoors.
Family portrait of three people posing together: a man with glasses on the left, a smiling man in a dark blazer on the right, and a young girl in front.
Group portrait of four adults in formal attire standing side by side at an event, colorful artwork on the wall behind them; date stamp reads 09/17/2005.
Two women posing closely for a photo indoors, burgundy curtains in the background.
Smiling man and woman posing together indoors; the man holds a wrapped gift and a card.
Two people posing for a photo at a formal event: a woman in a light blue dress with white lace and a corsage, and a man in a dark suit and striped tie, standing in front of a brick wall.
Smiling elderly woman in a bright pink headwrap and floral blouse beside a man with gray beard and glasses, posing together indoors.
Senior man in a dark blazer and blue shirt sits beside a woman in a pale yellow blazer, holding a program at a crowded event venue.
Four people posing outdoors for a photo: two men, a woman with an Afro, and a girl in a white shirt.
Two women kneeling in a doorway, smiling at the camera in a home interior; one wearing a striped shirt and denim skirt, the other in a white top and jeans.
Man wearing sunglasses and a teal polo stands beside an elderly woman in a beige blazer inside a living room, holding a bouquet of flowers and with a pink balloon nearby.
Two people share a warm hug at an event, one in a lace dress and the other in a floral dress, smiles visible in a candid moment indoors.
Three people posing outdoors together, two women in dresses and a young man in a button-down shirt, smiling at the camera.
Group of diverse friends posing together for a casual, warmly lit 1970s-era photo.
Woman in a pink shirt and blue skirt watering plants in a backyard beside a chain-link fence.
Group of smiling volunteers under a large white canopy at an outdoor event, wearing Walk Education shirts.
A man in a dark suit with a pink tie stands on a wooden porch holding a bouquet of red roses, while a woman in a light pink lace dress sits on a bench nearby.
Smiling elderly woman in a lavender robe stands with a man in a gray tracksuit in a bright kitchen, arms around each other.
Smiling elderly woman seated at a dining table with a plate of food, while a man in a dark suit stands beside her by large windows with greenery outside.
Older woman standing in a garden beside a house, wearing a pink floral top and blue denim skirt, holding a trowel.
Couple posing together on a purple-carpeted stage, smiling; woman wearing a purple blazer and black dress, man in a gray suit and tie, with banners in the background to the stage left and right.
Two people sit on a white sofa, smiling for the camera: woman in a white cardigan and jeans with a brown purse, man in a lavender shirt and floral skirt.
A smiling family posing in a living room: a man and a woman stand on either side of two seated women, with a child in pink glasses in the foreground.
Two people pose together in a home kitchen, smiling; woman wears a dark top, man wears a black fur-lined jacket.
Four people gathered around a dining table in a kitchen, smiling at the camera with colorful plastic cups on the table behind them
Two women stand side by side in a living room, smiling at the camera; one wears a colorful floral top, the other a striped blouse and light skirt.
Three people stand together in a kitchen, smiling at the camera (young man on left, older woman in middle, young woman on right).
Graduate in blue cap and gown embraces a woman in a dark blazer, smiling against a white background
Two women sit closely on a sofa, smiling, as one hugs the other in a cozy living room.
Two women sit closely on a beige couch, smiling at the camera in a living room setting, one wearing a hat and glasses while the other wears a lavender shirt.
Group of nine adults posing for a photo on a bench outside a building, smiling and dressed in casual and colorful attire.
Woman in blue blouse and patterned skirt standing outside a wooden building with large windows and greenery in the background.
Nine adults posing together outdoors in front of a stone house, some standing and two seniors seated in front.
Couple at a formal outdoor event: woman in a pink lace dress with belt beside a man in a suit and tie with a boutonniere.
Older woman in a sunlit apple orchard holding a bag of apples, mid-pickoutdoor harvest scene
Smiling woman in a yellow sweater and patterned scarf sits at a tiled table indoors, with a garlanded mantle in the background.
Group of adults posing together in a living room, smiling for the photo at a casual gathering.
Two women in pastel formal dresses walk arm in arm at an outdoor event, smiling. Alternate: A gray-haired woman in a lace pink dress and a younger woman in a white blouse with a pink sparkly skirt walk together at a ceremony.
Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair, wearing a pearl necklace and earrings, seated on a red couch against a beige background.
Send Flowers Plant a Tree
Visitation
Holy Cathedral Church of God In Christ
2677 North 40th Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53210
(414) 447-1967 | Map
Thursday 5/21, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Service
Holy Cathedral Church of God In Christ
2677 North 40th Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53210
(414) 447-1967 | Map
Thursday 5/21, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Graceland Cemetery
6401 North 43rd Street
Milwaukee, WI 53209
Map
Thursday 5/21

Procession after Services.

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Janie Mae Jefferson (October 4, 1937 – May 11, 2026) Janie Mae Jefferson, age 88, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026 with her family by her side. In a final act of love, she gave her children and grandchildren one last Mother’s Day with her before passing. Janie was born on October 4,Continue Reading

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Sheila Patterson left a message on June 7, 2026:
I would like to extend my condolences out to the Jefferson family. I can't imagine how heavy this feels right now. I'm incredibly sorry for the loss of: your mom/Mrs. Jefferson. One thing i'd like to mention & instantly noticed about Mrs.Jefferson was: Her quiet kindness. What a BEAUTIFUL Soul she had. Rest in Heaven:Angel
Sheryl Gladney left a message on May 21, 2026:
To my family my condolence goes out to you all my love my heart goes off to you as well I will continue praying for you all God bless you my love my heart goes off to you as well I will continue praying for you all God bless you
Sheryl Gladney left a message on May 21, 2026:
My condolence to the family and friends
Marilyn Wingo left a message on May 21, 2026:
To the Jefferson Family, the Wingo Family sends you all our sincere condolences. May God be with you during this difficult time. Love Always!
Major Henry Campbell left a message on May 21, 2026:
My sincere condolences to the Jefferson family. May God continue to Bless you and Comfort you in your time of grief.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Lawrence Wilkerson left a message on May 21, 2026:
Our sincerest condolences to the entire Jefferson Family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you. Lawrence & Iris Wilkerson
Eleanor Johnson left a message on May 20, 2026:
Mother Jefferson was an amazing woman of God who loved people and loved God with every fiber of her being. I enjoyed spending time with her even though it wasn't a lot. I'm comfortable and at peace because I KNOW she's resting in peace.
Alice Dixon left a message on May 19, 2026:
Sharrise (Doug) and family, Sorry for your loss and continued prayers for the family! As I was reading the obituary, Ms. Janie was an awesome God fearing lady. Sharrise, she will always live in your heart and cherish the memories! Love Alice (Mom)
Donna marshall left a message on May 19, 2026:
My deepest condolences to the Jefferson family. Praying for your strength.
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Juranda Carlisle Akinbode left a message on May 18, 2026:
Sending my deepest sincerest condolences to the family during this time. May the shared memories of her life and love strengthen and console us.
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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