Jane Goodwin

On May 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends at the University of Iowa, Jane R. Goodwin, known to many as Janie, JG, J Jizzle, or her favorite Gigi, peacefully went home to be with the Lord. Born on September 9, 1974, at the United States Naval Base in the Philippines, Janie was a bright light from the beginning. From her earliest days, she radiated warmth, joy, and strength, leaving marks that could not be removed from every soul she encountered. Janie wore many hats: wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, best friend, co-worker, and her favorite, grandmother! No matter what you call her, the answer is always love. Her heart was golden, her hugs healing, and her laugh infectious. She was the kind of woman who could brighten a room with her presence and make you feel like family within moments of meeting her. A proud graduate with an associates degree in computer communications, Janie spent the last decade working at United Healthcare. She was admired for her dedication, kindness, signature “smack talk” and “who wants it” attitude, which always came with a smile and a lot of love. Janie loved to look good, and she knew it! She’d get dressed, do her makeup, and “pop her stuff” with a confidence that could rival any runway model. When she walked into a room, heads turned, not just for her beauty but for her magnetic presence. Faith was the cornerstone of her life. Janie leaned on Jesus, her healer, provider, and way-maker in her most challenging moments. Her favorite saying, “Everything happens for a reason,” was not just a phrase; it was how she lived her life, with unwavering faith and grace. Her greatest joy came from her grandchildren, whom she adored with all her heart. Every moment spent with them was sacred. Her love for her family was boundless, and her loyalty was unmatched. Janie was the life of the party, the voice of reason (or rebellion, depending on the moment), and never afraid to speak her truth. She was bold, strong-willed, brave, and deeply blessed, constantly reminding others that the Lord was her strength. Janie is survived by her husband, Suni Lane; her children, Makaya Culberson, Booker Jacobs, and Tatianna Jacobs; stepchildren, Stashay Lane, Demetrius Lane, and Suni Lane Jr.; Godchildren, Teonnie Moore and Quayhan Moore; and 14 beloved grandchildren, who were the stars in her sky. She also leaves behind her mother Maria Goodwin, mother-in-law Esther Lane; Godmother Ruby Sanders; Brothers, Edwin (Connie) Goodwin, Angelo Lane; her sisters, Elunda Sanders, Shantaye Sanders; special nephew, Edwin Junior; two special cousins, Shalonda and Tanisha March; her dear friend Tina Hodges; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family who will carry her memory in their hearts forever. Janie was preceded in death by her father Ted Goodwin, beloved Goddaughter Darshaya Moore, her aunt Sandra Townsley, special cousins Raymond March Jr. and Calvin Stallings; her niece Alaysia Shorter, and friend Juanita Clemons, all of whom were no doubt waiting with open arms to welcome her into Heaven. Though she is no longer visible to us, she is still very present. Her spirit will continue to shine through each story told, every laugh shared, and every cherished memory. Rather than mourn her passing, we choose to celebrate her joy, her love, and the legacy she leaves behind.