LELAND — Janet Ann Holt Allen of Leland, North Carolina, passed away suddenly yet peacefully on September 23, 2026, at the age of 72. She was surrounded by her family and the wonderful caretakers at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC.
Born in May 1954 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan was the beloved daughter of Col. RP Holt and Dona Jo Grise. As a “military brat,” she lived a life filled with travel and adventure, experiencing the diverse cultures of the east coast, mid-America, the west coast, and Hawaii. Her mom and dad traveled and lived in Asia, where they cultivated a deep respect and appreciation for those cultures in Jan and Ernie.
Jan graduated from TC Williams High School in Alexandria, VA in 1972 and pursued higher education at Emory & Henry University, where she earned a BA in Art & Mass Communications in 1976. Her academic journey didn’t stop there, as she continued with post-graduate coursework in economics, marketing, and accounting. In 1977, Jan began her career as an Admissions Counselor at Emory & Henry, where she also met the love of her life, Ernie Allen. Their union in August 1977 was the beginning of a beautiful partnership that spanned decades.
Throughout her career, Jan made significant contributions in roles that read like a “Who’s Who in America,” including positions at Coldwell Banker, Figgie International, Linden Row Inn, the University of Richmond, American Management Association, McGuire Woods LLP, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Her professional journey was marked by dedication, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.
Jan was not only a dedicated career woman, but also a passionate reader. She could often be found with two or three books open on her Kindle at any given time, and she was a cherished member of her community book club. She loved sharing a glass of wine with friends, talking about their latest reads, and enjoying the friendships that grew from those conversations.
That same appreciation for the things she loved carried into her family life, particularly her lifelong connection to golf. Jan grew up in a golf family. While she may not have been an athlete herself, she was always an enthusiastic supporter of those she loved and their pursuit of the perfect handicap. Sunday afternoons in the spring and summer were often spent watching golf broadcasts together, and she and Ernie were fortunate to attend nearly every major golf event, from the Masters and PGA Championship to the Ryder Cup and the U.S. Open. She may not have been the one carrying the clubs, but she was always there cheering them on.
Jan was also a fierce advocate for women’s rights and equality. For decades, she served through the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) as a beacon of community-driven activism, bringing people together to address issues that mattered both locally and around the world. She was particularly passionate about eliminating discrimination based on sex and gender and supporting efforts surrounding domestic violence, women’s suffrage, veterans’ rights, equal access to quality education, and attainable standards of physical and mental healthcare. Through her involvement, Jan demonstrated her belief that meaningful change begins with people willing to speak up, stand together, and advocate for others.
Jan and Ernie met and began dating during their very first month at Emory & Henry. Jan was a radiant, ruby-red, valedictorian teen princess—fashion-forward, self-styled, academically driven, and ambitious. She was, in many ways, everything Ernie was not. Ernie was the rebel, and perhaps that was part of the magic. Their differences drew them together, and what began as a college romance grew into a lifetime of love, family, and shared adventures.
Nothing made Jan prouder than her children. Katie was born on December 8, 1981, and Mike followed five years later, on December 8, 1986—five years apart to the very day. The family has always accused Jan of being the ultimate time planner: one birthday, one less distraction right before Christmas. But beyond her impeccable scheduling, Jan poured her heart into being a mother, and she was never more in her element than when celebrating the people she loved.
Her daughter, Katie, and son-in-law, Jeremy Krist, live in Burlington, North Carolina, with their three boys, Landon, Owen, and Nolan. Jan adored being a grandmother, and her grandsons were a tremendous source of joy and pride. Landon’s favorite story about his Mimi begins on the day Owen was born. Jan had traveled to Burlington to stay with Landon while Katie and Jeremy headed to the hospital through a driving snow and ice storm. Not long after they left, the power went out, leaving Jan and Landon to fend for themselves. Jan called Ernie in Wisconsin and asked him to find them a hotel. The only option was the O’Henry—and, as Jan would surely appreciate, it was the best digs in central North Carolina. So, Jan and Landon settled in beneath goose-down comforters, propped up by five pillows each, and ordered $27 cheeseburgers to be delivered. It was, in its own way, a perfect Mimi and Landon adventure.
Jeremy was far more than a son-in-law to Jan; he was a beloved part of her family and a pillar of support, love, and guidance. He said that Mimi had a way of making you feel loved every time you walked into the room. She was a shoulder to lean on, gave advice when it was wanted, and loved fiercely. She was a friend, a wife, a leader, and a mother. And, perhaps most of all, Jeremy will miss hearing her greet him with the words, “Hey, sweet boy,” every time they saw one another.
Jan’s passion for women’s rights and equality was also deeply personal, and she was fortunate to share that passion with women she admired tremendously. Among them was her dear friend Beth Walker. Jan, Beth, and Beth’s wife, Kim, were steadfast advocates for feminism and equality, working tirelessly in support of social, political, economic, and personal equality for all people. Their friendship was rooted not only in shared convictions, but in a deep respect, affection, and commitment to making the world a better place for others.
And no story of Jan’s friendships would be complete without the Foxie Five. Born in Richmond, Virginia, this group of GFWC heartthrobs could light up a room from Fall Convention to the Strawberry Hill Races, the Holiday Bazaar, and countless art auctions. Together, they made memories everywhere they went—from the mountains of Virginia to the rugged beauty of Sweden. Though distance and time may have separated them in their later years, the bond they shared never faded. The laughter, adventures, and love they gave one another became part of Jan’s story, and that love will endure long after their travels together have ended.
Jan will be dearly missed, and her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a financial gift to your local dog shelter, Canine Companions Rescue Center, GFWC, Hope Harbor Home Brunswick Co., and/or your local church or homeless/veteran assistance outlets. Jan’s legacy of love, passion, and advocacy will continue to inspire and uplift those who follow in her footsteps.
Like love, and the closeness two people share…
Days spent together when we’re happy no matter what we’re doing…
The little things we do for one another…
These things can’t be bought, and yet they’re the best gifts of all.
Please leave memories and condolences for Jan’s family here.
