Flora Jane Coltrane Norwood

Norwood—Flora Jane Coltrane Norwood, 85, on January 14, 2025, peacefully, at Friends Home at Guilford retirement community in Greensboro, N.C. Jane was born on December 11, 1939, the daughter of John Boyles Coltrane Sr. and Margaret Cranford Fields Coltrane, in Guilford College, N.C. Jane had one younger brother, John Boyles Coltrane Jr. Jane’s life was guided by the Quaker values imparted by her parents. She was a lifelong member of New Garden Meeting in Greensboro.

Jane grew up in the town of Guilford College. She graduated from Guilford High School in the class of 1958. Following high school, Jane enrolled at Guilford College graduating in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in religious education.

Jane remained active with Guilford College throughout her life. She served on the Guilford College Alumni Association from 1988 through 1993, including a term as president in 1993. Jane served on the Hobbs Hall Renovation Fundraising Committee from 2009 through 2015 to aid in the restoration of the cooperative dormitory where she had lived as a student. In 1981, she earned a master’s degree in counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and pursued graduate studies at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Jane met Charles Ronald “Ron” Norwood Sr. at Guilford College. They married on August 18, 1962, at New Garden Meeting. They moved to Eden, N.C., in June 1965, and made their home there for the next 60 years. Jane cofounded Rockingham Meeting in Wentworth, N.C., which was under the care of New Garden Meeting. She and Ron were part of the New Garden Quaker pilgrimage to England, Scotland, and Wales in 1996.

After her children were school age, Jane began a nearly three-decade (1975–2002) career at Rockingham Community College. She developed and directed their Career Center and spearheaded career counseling programs across North Carolina’s community college system. She held memberships in the American Association of University Women and the Association of Psychological Type International. She was a cofounder and sponsor for Phi Theta Kappa and, as a counselor, Jane left a lasting mark on countless students’ lives.

The consummate volunteer, Jane lived out her values through service—lifeguarding at summer camps, including Quaker Lake; teaching swimming and tennis to children at the YMCA; as well as hands-on time with Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross.

Jane found peace in the ocean and joy in swimming. She had great enthusiasm for college basketball and followed the sport closely. Jane loved to travel—from Greece, England, and Australia, to countless states across America. In retirement, she was a member of Eden YMCA’s “The Mamas and the Papa,” a competitive line-dance group, as well as competing in state senior games in table tennis and swimming. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, and treasured time with loved ones.

Jane was a beloved wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother. Sadly, her last years were diminished by dementia. Even through that challenge, her warmth persisted and was felt by those around her.

Jane was predeceased by her brother, John Boyles Coltrane Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Ronald “Ron” Norwood Sr.; three children, Charles Ronald “Chip” Norwood Jr. (Leigh “Ruthie”), John Norris Norwood (Nancy), and Melissa Lynn Norwood Stephenson (Paul); eight grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister by heart, Doris Irene Melson.