Janet E. Williams

JANET EILEEN WILLIAMS was the fifth of six children, born in Baltimore City on February 20, 1963, to the late Beatrice Williams. Janet received her early education through the Baltimore City Public Schools system and graduated from Frederick Douglass HighSchool. She later attended Springfield College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1986. While at Springfield College, Janet became one of the school’s most accomplished track and field athletes. A two-time national champion and eight-time All-American, she set multiple indoor and outdoor school records, several of which still stand today. She won the 1985 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championship in the 400-meter hurdles and the NCAA Division II Indoor Championship in the 55-meter hurdles, where she established an NCAA record that stood for 14 years. In 1986, she earned All-American honors in five events at the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships and helped lead Springfield College to a second place national finish. Janet was also selected to the U.S. Olympic Festival East Team in 1986 and was inducted into the NCAA Hall of Fame in 2005. Janet proudly dedicated years of service to National Delivery Services, where she was admired not only for her hard work and commitment but also for her warm spirit and kind heart. She built meaningful relationships with those around her and left a lasting impression on coworkers and friends alike. During her courageous battle with cancer, the company extended extraordinary patience, compassion, and support, standing beside her through one of the most difficult chapters of her life. Their care and understanding were a true reflection of the impact Janet had on those privileged to know and work with her. Janet loved the Lord and was a devoted member and trusted Deaconess at Truth & Life Family Worship Center under the leadership of Pastor Darryl K. Ham and Minister Allegra Ham, where she served faithfully until the day God called her home. In Janet’s words, “This is more than a church — this is family.” Janet loved sports, music, dancing, and laughter — if a joke was in the room, Janet was sure to be part of it. She deeply loved her family, both natural and spiritual, as well as her many cherished friends. After a courageous year-long battle with cancer, Janet received her ultimate victory, peacefully entering the gates of Heaven on May 17, 2026, where she was reunited with her mother, BeaBea; her siblings, Sharon, Karen, Eddie, Rose, and Angie; her sister-in-law,Angela Williams; her brother-in-law, Carl Glover; and her nephews, Damon, Anthony, and Glen. Her life and cherished memories will live on through her nieces and nephews, Okesha (Ron), Derrick, David Jr. (Debbie), Stanley,Keiyonda, Joshlyn, Dwayne (Hadija), Erica, April, and Shaneice (Chris); her great-nieces and great-nephews, Samira, Jawaun,Allen, Ashiya, Kendra, Asia, Tyler, Terrell, Aaliyah, August, Samaya, Jayla, Dwayne Jr., Angelo, Angel, David III, Olivia, Shaniya, and London “Booka”; her great-great-nephew, Amari; her godmother, Alicia; her beloved godchildren, Emmanuel, Maliyah, Brian and Karson; her life long friends, Ceatrice and Camille, her devoted friends, Janea’ “Jai”, Cheryl, Janelle, Talithea “Tee” and Valarie,who remained faithfully by her side until the very end; and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends. “Though I have departed from this earthly life, my love, laughter, and memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved me.”

Tributes

Janet E. Williams

February 20, 1963 - May 17, 2026