Janice Irwin Walker-Wallace, born to Dewey and Betsy English on December 25, 1934, in Jonesboro, Tennessee, passed away on February 8, 2026, after a long and incredibly successful life. It is not that she was wealthy or accomplished things recognized by the broader public; it is instead that she overcame many serious challenges, growing stronger with every battle won.
These battles included the passing of her father during her childhood; being raised in impoverished, though beautiful, Appalachia; leaving the comforts of home after graduation to work in the big city of Baltimore; and surviving for decades after two serious health challenges.
Janice raised a happy family, son William Edward Irwin, III (Cheryll), and daughter Carla Irwin Nixon (Richard). In addition, she was “Ganma” or “Nanna” to Carla’s children, Tommy Jaynes (Patty and great-grandsons Brantley and Benton), Janine Cumbie (James), and Kyra Nixon (Chris); and William’s children, Kathryn Irwin (Taylor) and William Irwin IV (Lyndsey). She also adored her time with great-grandsons, Harlow and Palmer Cumbie, who cherished her with every interaction.
The life challenges Janice pushed through also inspired her extended family and friends. These family and friends are in the Flag Pond and Erwin, Tennessee area of the Great Smoky Mountains, her birthplace. They are also in Maryland, where she first raised her son and daughter and enjoyed pleasant outings with her brother Dwight English, and in Michigan, with her brother Arnold English, both of whom passed some years ago. Many are centered in Virginia, where she lived for fifty-five years.
Janice’s biggest adventure was her trip around the world in 1969. The trip was in support of her first husband, William Edward Irwin, Jr. His work in Taiwan resulted in spectacular experiences in Hawaii, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Athens, Rome, Paris, and London. The trip, finishing the circling of the globe from east to west, was on her own, guiding young William and Carla through multiple airline connections, hotel accommodations, and fantastical tourist destinations. Janice’s stewardship through that trip again demonstrated her strength and resilience that helped her rise from near poverty in youth, to tremendous personal successes as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, worker, and friend.
Living past her 91st Christmas birthday, she survived many of her family and friends with whom she had extremely close and rewarding relationships. One of those was her second husband, Harmon Butler Walker (H.B.). He and Janice travelled a lot, taking cruises, visiting relatives and friends. She was widowed when he died in 1993. She also remained close to her former husband, Arcemus Wallace, who also preceded her in death.
Her greatest pride in life, outside of her family, was her delightful home in historic Hilton Village in Newport News. It was always a warm and comforting place for visits with friends and family and holiday gatherings. She lived independently in her home for over 20 years, until moving to Poquoson 3 years ago to live with Carla and Richard. Her close bonds with extended family, former neighbors, and dear friends, from near and far, helped sustain her during those years. We are all proud of the life she lived as a moving example for all to follow. Janice will be laid to rest with H.B., where all who know her as Mom, Ganma, Nanna, or Janice will honor her forever. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News.
7 Comments
She was not just my mother, she was a great friend. I enjoyed our telephone calls and conversations on a drive or at a seaside restaurant. It was easy to hear her care and love. She was also very supportive of me in times of need. She inspires me to this day for her strength and courage that resulted in a life well-lived. Parents are always proud of their children. This child is very proud of his mother.
Janice used her experience of leaving the hollers of Flag Pond to help me with my reluctant departure. My mother surprised me with new luggage for graduation then informed me that Janice would be by in the morning to take me to D.C. Janice let me have the privacy of the backseat to gather my emotions. Eventually I fell asleep but she made sure to wake me in time to see the sunrise over the US capital, knowing such a beautiful sight would help me feel better. Her kindness has lingered in my memory all these years. Janice was a great woman.
Thank you so much for sharing your story of my mom. I would love to talk to you.
Janice was a dear friend for over 50 years. I will miss her dearly
Your mother was an inspiration to me when we grew up together aunt Bessie was a great friend and cook they had more than we did. We were very poor. Janice would give me clothes to wear to school I thought I was rich. I will never forget her kindness. I will cherish those memories forever. You will be in my prayers. I love all of you.
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Three women have sung Happy Birthday to me in my life…my mother Carrie, friend Jessica and Janice. All 3 were loving mothers and I will carry happy memories of them the rest of my life.