Janey Thompson Obituary Charlotte NC: A Life of Joy and Impact Cut Short

Who Was Janey Thompson?

Charlotte, North Carolina, lost a radiant soul on April 9, 2024, when Jane McAdams “Janey” Thompson, a 20-year-old Wake Forest University student, passed away unexpectedly due to complications from a blood clot that traveled from her leg to her heart. Born on October 19, 2003, Janey was a beloved daughter to Bo and Scottie Thompson, a “built-in best friend” to her brother Hank, and a cherished member of a sprawling family and friend network. Her sudden departure has left a void, but her legacy of kindness, talent, and zest for life shines on.

Janey was a standout athlete, a gifted musician, and a devoted friend whose infectious energy touched countless lives. From her high school days at Myers Park to her vibrant college years at Wake Forest, she lived with passion and purpose.

Early Years: Growing Up in Charlotte

Janey Thompson came into the world on October 19, 2003, in Charlotte, North Carolina, a city she’d call home her entire life. Born to Bo and Scottie Thompson, she was raised in a loving household alongside her brother Hank, whom she affectionately dubbed her “built-in best friend.” The Thompson family’s roots in Charlotte ran deep, with grandparents Tom and Barbara Thompson nearby and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, and cousins adding to her support system.

From her earliest days, Janey was a bundle of joy and curiosity. Raised in the leafy neighborhoods of Charlotte, she grew up surrounded by the city’s blend of Southern charm and bustling energy. Her parents instilled in her a love for family, competition, and community—values that would shape her into the remarkable young woman she became. With her grandfather Ronald Stone in Burlington and her late grandmother Jane Davis Stone’s memory ever-present, Janey’s family ties were a cornerstone of her life.

At Myers Park High School, Janey’s talents began to bloom. She was a four-year varsity athlete in basketball and softball, earning all-conference honors and the Female Athlete of the Year award in 2022. But beyond the stats, she loved the locker room banter and bus rides with her teammates—moments of connection that fueled her spirit. Her childhood was a tapestry of these joys, woven with the threads of a close-knit family and a community that adored her.

A Musical and Athletic Star: High School Highlights

Janey Thompson’s high school years at Myers Park were a showcase of her multifaceted gifts. Music was one of her first loves—she picked up the clarinet and played with finesse in the school’s wind ensemble and jazz band. Her notes filled the air with melody, a talent she carried with pride and humility. Friends recall her practicing diligently, her clarinet a constant companion in her busy life.

On the athletic front, Janey was a powerhouse. As a four-year member of the varsity basketball and softball teams, she brought tenacity and teamwork to every game. Her leadership as a basketball captain earned her accolades, but it was her camaraderie that stood out—hanging out with “her girls” was where she thrived. Her summers as a lifeguard at Myers Park Country Club added another layer to her story, where she made it her mission to be every child’s favorite—a goal she undoubtedly achieved with her warm smile and playful spirit.

Janey’s high school days were a balancing act of academics, sports, and music, all underpinned by her love for fun. She graduated with honors, setting her sights on Wake Forest University, where her journey would take flight—until tragedy intervened.

College Life: Thriving at Wake Forest

In the fall of 2022, Janey arrived at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on a physics scholarship—a testament to her academic prowess. As a second-year biophysics major, she maintained a spot on the dean’s list every semester, blending her sharp mind with a passion for discovery. But Wake wasn’t just about books for Janey—it was a playground for her boundless energy.

She dove into campus life with gusto, playing intramural sports and club women’s basketball until a torn ACL and meniscus in November 2023 sidelined her during an intramural flag football championship. Undeterred, she transitioned to coaching, sharing her love for the game with her teammates. Janey also volunteered at Wake Radio, joined the Tri Delta sorority, and was active in the pre-dental health professional society, dreaming of a future in healthcare.

A self-proclaimed Wake Forest sports superfan, Janey never missed a home football, basketball, or baseball game, arriving early and staying late, cheering with unmatched zeal. She cherished dorm hangouts, workouts at the rec center, and strolls through Reynolda Gardens with a good coffee in hand. Her 16-year-old Honda Pilot, “Big Red,” was her trusty steed—no fancy tech, just pure Janey charm. College was her canvas, painted with friendships, competition, and joy.

A Life of Joy: Janey’s Passions

Janey Thompson lived for the little things that made life big. She loved puzzles and card games, thriving on the thrill of competition—be it trivia, board games, or corn hole. Music of all genres filled her days, from jazz riffs to pop beats. Ocean Isle Beach and Lake Wylie were her escapes, places where she soaked in nature’s beauty with family and friends.

Shooting hoops in the backyard with her dad and brother was a ritual, as were walks with her mom and adventures with Hank. Her dog, Phyllis, was a furry confidante, succeeding her late “heart dog,” Rosie. Janey’s quirks—like her obsession with cold Diet Coke, fashion sneakers, and cheap Amazon jewelry—added flair to her persona. A book in one hand and coffee in the other, she embraced life’s simple pleasures with a grin.

Her gift-giving was legendary—thoughtful, funny, perfect. Janey’s wicked humor and loyal friendship made her a magnet for love, her humility grounding her many talents. She saw the good in people, radiating a positivity that was impossible to resist.

A Tragic End: April 9, 2024

Janey’s life was cut short on April 9, 2024, due to complications from a blood clot that formed in her leg on April 3 and traveled to her heart. At just 20, her sudden passing stunned her family—parents Bo and Scottie, brother Hank—and her wide circle of loved ones. The loss of such a vibrant soul left Charlotte reeling, but her memory fuels a collective resolve to honor her.

A memorial service is set for Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Myers Park United Methodist Church, followed by a reception in Jubilee Hall. Teammates are encouraged to wear their jerseys, a nod to Janey’s athletic spirit. Memorials can support the Myers Park High School Mustang Club or Wake Forest Women’s Club Basketball, keeping her passions alive.

FAQ: Janey Thompson Obituary Charlotte NC

Q: Who was Janey Thompson?
A: Janey McAdams Thompson was a 20-year-old Charlotte native and Wake Forest student known for sports and kindness.

Q: When did Janey Thompson pass away?
A: She passed away on April 9, 2024, from blood clot complications.

Q: Where was Janey Thompson from?
A: She was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Q: What did Janey Thompson enjoy?
A: Sports, music, friends, coffee, puzzles, and time with family.

Q: When and where is Janey Thompson’s memorial?
A: April 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., Myers Park United Methodist, Charlotte.

Q: Who survives Janey Thompson?
A: Her parents Bo and Scottie, brother Hank, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Conclusion

Janey Thompson’s obituary is a heartfelt tribute to a life lived with gusto and grace. From Charlotte’s fields to Wake Forest’s courts, this 20-year-old wove a legacy of joy, talent, and love that transcends her tragic end on April 9, 2024. Her story—of a clarinet’s tune, a basketball’s bounce, and a friend’s laugh—inspires us to embrace every day with her fervor.

For readers, Janey’s journey is a call to live fully, love deeply, and find beauty in the small stuff. Her passing reminds us life is fleeting, but her light urges us to shine on. As Charlotte gathers on April 13 to say goodbye, we carry Janey’s spirit forward, inspired to make our own mark with the same heart she did. Rest in peace, Janey—your joy endures