Janet Anne Norwood

She was born on August 25, 1961 in Charlotte to the late Harold Lee Norwood, Jr. and Barbara Jean McElhaney.

Janet attended public schools in Charlotte and graduated from Independence High School with the class of 1979. Following graduation, Janet immediately enrolled in college and in 1983 she earned her BSA in Business Administration at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

As an ambitious and hardworking student, Janet consistently excelled in her academic pursuits, rarely failing to earn less than a 4.0 grade point average. In 2007, she added to her list of accomplishments when she was awarded a Post-Baccalaureate Paralegal Diploma from Central Piedmont Community College. Her superior academic performance was formally recognized when she was inducted as a member of Lambda Epsilon Chi Honor Society.

Upon her entry into the legal world, Janet started working for the Mecklenburg County Courthouse in 2008 as a Judicial Assistant II. She spent her ten years in this role learning and growing before moving on to the private sphere. From 2017 until her passing, she worked as a Paralegal for a few different privately owned law firms.

Outside of work, Janet was an avid reader and was known and revered for her impressive artistic abilities. She took part in designing beautiful murals around Charlotte and, at times, gifted family and friends with artwork she had made especially for them. Her creativity did not start and end with painting, though. She was also a notable cook who preferred high quality ingredients and nice cookware, as well as a devoted music lover, always listening to music and eager to discuss it with others.

Janet had a good sense of humor and from a young age she demonstrated her wit in many areas of life. As a child, she was the founder, writer, and editor of her own personal newspaper, complete with amusing ads just as if it were a professional endeavor.

She also found joy in traveling to far away places, such as the time she ventured through Switzerland, or the time she went skydiving in Germany. Though she did have this adventurous side, she was more commonly regarded as a private person who enjoyed the quiet life she had created for herself. She was reserved until she warmed up to someone, but once that happened, she remained committed to maintaining the bond.

Those left to cherish Janet’s memory include her sister, Joanne Lowry; her brother, Carlton Ervin (Gabi); her special aunts and uncles, Mary and Kelly Bollinger of Huschton, GA and Rev. Garry and Paula Mickey of Washington, NC; her paternal grandfather, Paul Wiley; as well as numerous other loving family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Barbara; her paternal grandmother, Cammie Wiley; and her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. McElhaney.

At 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, Janet’s family will be gathering at her father’s grave at Forest Lawn West Cemetery, 4601 Freedom Drive in Charlotte. Family, friends, coworkers, and all others who knew and loved Janet are cordially invited to attend, share fond memories, and celebrate her life.

Harold is buried in the small section of the cemetery across the street from the funeral home. Maps will also be available at the funeral home for anyone who would like one.

Janet was an enthusiastic animal lover, and especially adored dogs. To honor that passion, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the ASPCA.