The Advocate is Gone: Janet Ward Black’s Light Fades Too Soon

gavel The Sudden Gavel Drop That Stunned North Carolina

The courtroom is silent. The office lights are dimmed. North Carolina has lost a true titan: Janet Ward Black, distinguished attorney, community leader, and former Miss North Carolina, has passed away at the age of 66. For a woman whose life was a brilliant, decades-long run of achievement—from winning the Grand Talent award at Miss America to leading two major state bar associations—the suddenness of her passing is a deeply unsettling shock.

Janet was a force of nature, a brilliant strategist, and a fierce advocate who dedicated her career to fighting for the injured and marginalized. She wasn’t just in the legal profession; she shaped it, setting a standard of excellence, ethics, and relentless client dedication. The fact that a voice so powerful, so constantly engaged in serving the public, could be silenced so abruptly underscores the fragility of life. Her loss leaves an irreplaceable void, forcing a moment of pause across every sector of North Carolina society she touched.

From the Pageant Stage to the President’s Chair

Janet Ward Black’s trajectory was nothing short of extraordinary. How many people can claim to have gracefully transitioned from the Miss North Carolina stage to the president’s chair of the North Carolina Bar Association? She did it, using her platform not for vanity, but for genuine, sweeping institutional change.

She was one of the first women to lead major legal organizations in the state, pioneering a path for female leadership. Her most lasting professional legacy, the “4ALL” program, which provides free legal services to those who cannot afford it, showcases her profound belief that justice should not be a privilege. Janet didn’t just win cases; she changed systems, proving that grace and grit are not mutually exclusive—they are the core of true advocacy.

The Generosity of God’s Math

Beyond the accolades and the seven-figure settlements, Janet’s most profound testament was her commitment to generosity. She founded one of the largest woman-owned law firms in the state, but famously mandated that her firm tithe 10% of its gross revenue—not just profit—to charitable causes. This dedication, which she called “God’s math,” funded numerous local, state, and international missions.

We honor Janet now by embracing her core values: fight fiercely for what is right, lead with integrity, and give generously. Her life was a masterclass in using personal success to fuel public good. While we grieve the unexpected end of her tenure, we celebrate the enduring legacy of a leader, a friend, and an advocate who truly made the world a more just place. Rest in peace, Janet.