Janice Callahan Cook

November 27, 2022

CHARLOTTE – Janice Callahan Cook, 76, of Charlotte died peacefully November 27, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. 

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jack McPherson Cook, their children Katie Morgan, Mary Howard Shaw, and John Cook, sons-in-law Lee Morgan and Alan Shaw, six grandchildren, Alan Page Shaw, Jack Shaw, Libby Morgan, William Shaw, Sarah Morgan, and Ruthie Shaw, sister Shirley Latta, and many other extended family members in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland.  Her parents, Sadie Fletcher Callahan and William Howard Callahan, and sister, Vivian Estep, preceded her in death.

A proud native of North Carolina, Janice was born in Burlington, North Carolina on October 1, 1946. She was educated in Alamance County public schools and graduated from the School of Music, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education.  Her primary instrument was piano, which remained a passion of hers throughout her life. She was also a gifted soprano vocalist.

Janice shared the joy of music with many people in the three states where she lived with her family. She sang in church choirs and choral societies, taught music to children and senior citizens, and frequently played piano for family and friends in her home. Janice was an active volunteer in the areas of music and literacy with the Christ Hospital, Cincinnati Opera Board, Price Hill GED school, and various churches.  Since moving to the Southminster community in Charlotte in 2020, she performed piano and vocal concerts for the residents on numerous occasions, including on the day she became ill. Her additional hobbies included reading, needlepoint, tennis, mahjong, and cheering for the Tarheels and the Cincinnati Reds. 

Above all else, Janice was a devoted and adored wife, mother and grandmother. Husband Jack and her children and grandchildren were precious to her, she treasured spending time with them, and all have been nurtured by her attention and love.    

A memorial service to celebrate Janice’s life will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. The family will receive friends after the service in Oxford Hall at the church.  The service will be livestreamed at: https://myersparkpres.org/live/ for those unable to attend in person. 

Memorials may be sent to the Southminster Community Fund, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28201. 

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

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Comments

  • Katy (Prillaman) Maeda

    I have been lucky enough to know Mrs. Cook (she will always be Mrs. Cook to me) for as long as I can remember... the better part of 50 years. I grew up with Katie and Mary Howard and lived in a house just around the corner. My childhood memories are filled with the countless times I spent at the house on South Grand in Springfield, IL. In my memories of Mrs. Cook, I can still hear the piano, taste the buttery grits (those weren't a thing in central Illinois in the 70s), feel the instant remorse for causing a ruckus in the basement late at night during sleepovers, and experience the joy of the meeting the newest family member, John Wayland. I'm so grateful to have had her and the entire Cook family as a part of my life, and my love is with your family during this sad time.

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  • Carol Striker

    Happy memories of Janice on and off of the tennis court are in my heart. To Jack and Family: You were Janice's sunshine.
    With sincere sympathy,
    Carol Striker

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  • Mona & Houman

    Dear Jack,

    We wanted to offer our most sincere condolences to you and your family - Although we only met her a handful of times, she seemed like an amazing woman, full of life, and were heart broken to hear of her passing. We still enjoy hearing tails of her grand tea parties.
    We are sorry for your loss.
    Mona & Houman

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  • Bill Strubbe

    Jack, Katie, Mary Howard and John,

    Janice's obituary just appeared this morning in the Enquirer. I was shocked! I cannot believe that this wonderful person is no longer with us. I want to go up to God, shake him by the shoulders, and say "Wait!!!! This was a mistake!"

    Forgive the blasphemy, but I just cannot believe that this was her time.

    Please email me with your private email - Jack's or Katie's will do - so I can correspond privately.

    I am sorry, and sad for your loss, which is the greatest.

    Bill Strubbe

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  • Alicia Wilhelmy

    Janice was a vibrant and interesting woman. Her love and attention for her family were evident, and her sharp wit and wry humor was contagious. I enjoyed getting to know her as a neighbor and will remember her fondly. Our condolences to her many family and friends, especially Jack.

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  • Rick Kammerer

    Dear Jack and Katie, shocked and saddened by news of Janice's passing. At The Christ Hospital Foundation we have fond memories of Janice from all the 1888 Society events, grand openings, and other festive occasions that you attended. Always a smile, always gracious, and always very social. My thoughts are also with the two of you: miss you here in Cincinnati and sending condolences on the loss of your dear wife and mother.
    - Rick

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  • Amy Morgan

    Though many years have passed since I’ve visited with Janice, I can still hear her welcoming voice with her soft-as-a-southern-summer accent. She enveloped everyone with her elegant hospitality and interest in everyone’s activities. She is timeless. I hope that thoughts of her warm, efficient, and optimistic spirit soothes her family and friends.

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  • Suzette Lemrow

    What an amazing woman Janice was! Christian, artist, hostess, and most of all wife and mother. I was blessed to know her through visits with Katie, and she became a guiding persona in my life as well. Please accept my condolences on her untimely entrance into eternal rest. You will be continue to be in my prayers, especially Saturday.

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  • Roger and Peggy Steinbecker

    Jack, we we so saddened to learn of Janice's passing, but so pleased to have shared some, but all to infrequent, special and fun times together. Jack and family, I know that God is taking care of you and that you are comforted with the years you were given to spend this special wife, mother, grandmother and lady! May God continue to bless all of you.

    Roger and Peggy

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