Janet Volz England

March 25, 2023

A familiar face on television for many Charlotteans, pioneering local news anchor and journalist, Janet England, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 25, 2023 after a brave battle with Alzheimers. Born in Brooklyn, NY to parents Charles and Dorothy Volz and raised in Marion and Roanoke, VA alongside big brother, Douglas, Janet exhibited an inquisitive spirit and love for music from a young age.

It was at James Madison College that Janet discovered the power of storytelling and unearthed her passion for journalism through the course of her communications studies. JMU was also where Janet met sorority big-sis, Susan Abbott, whom later, after a set-up with big brother Doug, became her official sister-in-law, Susan Volz.

Post graduation, Janet began her career in television news as an investigative reporter working the local Virginia beats for stations in Roanoke and then in Richmond where she gained further on-air exposure covering for weather, sports and the anchor desk.

Her big break came in 1975, when she was hired by Queen City CBS affiliate WBTV, to co-anchor the evening news alongside John Wilson and then Bob Inman, shattering a glass-ceiling to become one of the first female television anchors in the region.

In 1981, set up on a blind date by friend Meredith Ingram, Janet met architect Bill England, neighbor and best friend of Meredith’s brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Sally Ingram. Engaged within 6 weeks and married within 3 months, the pair were inseparable for the last 42 years raising their two sons, Brett and Chandler, and spoiling their grandchildren, Addie and Huck.

In the early Eighties, Janet moved to rival ABC affiliate WSOC-TV to cohost Midday with Mayes opposite legendary Charlotte newsman Doug Mayes. It was at WSOC that Janet and longtime producer, collaborator and friend, Sheila Knox, created the popular and enduring series, Family Focus.

Janet retired from television in the mid-Nineties to share her talents with the corporate sector and various community outreach initiatives including as the Director of Communications at the Nalle Clinic, before officially retiring to focus on her own family and help care for her aging parents.

A lifelong lover of the performing arts, Janet loved taking theater trips to New York. Most weekends, she and Bill could be seen splitting a bucket of popcorn at the Manor or Park Terrace catching the latest film release.

Janet was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother, godmother and grandmother. She was a loyal friend and outspoken advocate, harnessing her faith to champion love, inclusivity and acceptance, standing up for good and speaking truth to power.

The family would like to acknowledge the tremendous support and care Janet received throughout her diagnosis, including from Dr. Chuck Edwards, Shelly Sedory, Crystal Simons, the team at the Sanctuary at Stonehaven as well as Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.

A celebration of her life will take place at 2pm this Thursday, March 30 at Myers Park Methodist Church.

Memorials can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Park Road, STE 250, Charlotte, NC 28209 and Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, PO Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Rix Garey

    Bill,
    Brenda and I are so sorry to hear about Janet. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

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  • Rebecca Skinnell Schultz

    I am so saddened to hear of Janet's passing. I was her sorority sister at JMU and although we were the same age, she became my big sister. She was a bridesmaid in my wedding. My love and condolences go out to her family.

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  • Kevin Donohue

    Bill and Janet made a great pair and raised two fine sons. I'm so sorry to hear of Janet's passing. I've been friends with Bill since junior high and share many happy memories of the England family. Denise and I send our sincere condolences.

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  • Susan & Michael Woodall

    Bill, we were so sorry to hear of Janet's passing. Our prayers are with you and your family as you grieve this loss. Praying that God will extend comfort and His peace as you mourn with family and friends.

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  • Bob Moore

    Bill,
    So sorry to hear of Janet's passing. I know you had a wonderful marriage and life together for 42 years and that she will be greatly missed by you, your family, and her friends. Susan and I will keep you and your sons in our prayers.
    Take care.

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  • Cullen Ferguson

    I was so sorry to hear of Janet's passing. I extend my condolences to Bill, their two sons, their grandchildren and all of her extended family. It was my honor, pleasure and privilege to co-anchor Channel 9's Eyewitness News Midday with Janet for 5 years from 1988-1993. She was a real pro at her job and wonderful to work beside.

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  • Roger Agnew

    Bill, I’m so sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. I’m praying for you and your children for peace and comfort during this time.
    God bless and comfort you.

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  • Alan katzer

    I remember Janet sending me an autographed picture of her. I will miss her. Good bye.

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  • Robert Thomas Williams

    Saints of God, come to her aid!
    Come to meet her, angels of the Lord!
    Receive her soul and present her to God the Most High.

    Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her and may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

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  • Albert Lampley

    My first wife Trudy died 03/25/19 after living thru early onset Alzheimer’s. We were also in the loving hands of Dr Chuck Edwards and staff at The Memory Center of Charlotte. My life was made better thru their care and concern for me and my daughters.

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