Janell “Jo” Eng

Mrs. Janell “Jo” Eng passed away peacefully Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Morningside of Concord.

A Memorial service will be held 11:00 am Tuesday at her church, St. James Lutheran Church officiated by Rev. William Ridenhour. The inurnment will follow the service in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends at Wilkinson Funeral Home 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday.

Jo was born September 30, 1935 in Kings Mountain to the late James Herman and Irene Gaffney Medlin. She was also preceded in death by her husband Donald R. Eng and brother Roy Medlin. Jo grew up in Kings Mountain and graduated from Kings Mountain High School in 1954 where she played on the women's basketball team. Jo was married to Donald on June 17, 1956 and they moved to Concord where they both worked at Collins Aikman. Don continued working at Collins and Aikman for many years; however, Jo stopped working when her girls were born to focus on raising her family.

Jo had many interests throughout her life as a dedicated housewife, mother, and a lover of sports. She took after her mother, who was a seamstress, and spent many hours at the sewing machine making her own clothes. She also loved to use her hands to needlepoint, knit, crochet, cross stitch, and basket weave. Her lovely handiwork was displayed throughout her home. She had a delicious southern home cooked meal prepared nightly for her family. Jo shared her talent in the kitchen and love of cooking with family, friends, and church members. She took great pride in her work. She was known for her delicious cheese straws and brownies which tended to appear at many church fellowship events.
Since her daughters swam on the Cabarrus Country Club swim team, she became involved as co-chair of the swim team committee. Jo was often described as a classic "southern belle" but she had an extremely competitive edge which she demonstrated on the tennis court. She played tennis for many years, competing in tournaments in Concord and around the state.

Jo loved to entertain and help others. She devoted much of her time and energy to aid the Brain Injury Association by co-chairing The Checkered Ball gala for 10 years. Jo was very active at St. James Lutheran church of Concord where she was a member for over 60 years. One of her greatest joys was being a part of the Parish fellowship committee at St. James who planned and prepared meals for various occasions.

One of her favorite pastimes was traveling with Don on his many business trips to furniture markets. They also enjoyed making memories with friends and family traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Jo was a loving grandmother; she would think nothing of driving from Concord to Bluemont, Virginia to see her grandchildren when they were babies. After the Habermans moved to Concord, she spent a lot of time caring for her grandchildren, picking them up after school, attending swim meets, basketball games, horse shows, and dance recitals.

Jo is survived by daughters Kimerly E. Haberman (Scot), and Kelley E. Carpenter (Jeff); grandchildren Sydney and Sam Haberman, and step grandchildren Casie and Jeffery Carpenter; step great grandchildren Annabelle, Hudson, Hannah; sisters Judy Champion and Libby Roberts; brother Jimmy Medlin (Mary); and other extended family members.

The family is very grateful and appreciative for the loving care provided by the wonderful staff at Morningside of Concord (Assisted Living and Bridge to Discovery) and Hospice of Cabarrus County.

Memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, PO Box 684, Concord, NC 28026.