Dr. Janie Wilson named Lowcountry’s most Remarkable Woman in 2024

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Four women were honored last month for their incredible work in the Charleston community during News 2’s Remarkable Women series.

Members of the community were invited back in November to nominate women who inspire, lead, and forge the way for others – not just one day or month, but day in and day out – to be considered for our initiative during International Women’s Month.

All essay submissions were carefully reviewed by a team of judges and ranked by community impact, self-achievement, and how they exhibit being a leader. Those nominations were narrowed to four finalists including JenVon Cherry, Anna Lonon, Dr. Janie Wilson, and Sharina Haynes – all four women who have made great contributions to the Lowcountry.

Dr. Janie Wilson, or Sister Wilson as she prefers, a minister and counselor making an impact on the lives of many, was named the Lowcountry’s Most Remarkable Woman in 2024. News 2 also donated to the charity of her choice.

Sister Wilson will travel to Los Angeles next week where she’ll be considered for Nexstar’s nationwide 2024 Woman of the Year Award.

WATCH: Dr. Wilson shares why she felt called to ministry, counseling, and how others can get involved.

WATCH: Hear from our four finalists about what being nominated means to them and how this campaign has impacted their lives and organizations.

Tuesday’s reveal event was held at The Peacock, a live music and fine dining restaurant on East Bay Street.

MEET DR. JANIE WILSON

She is a woman who has received dozens of awards for community service, but what she is most proud of is listening to others and helping them find the power to grow despite difficult circumstances.

She is a woman who has received dozens of awards for community service, but what she is most proud of is listening to others and helping them find the power to grow despite difficult circumstances.

“It was founded as a safe place for cadets and people who were over at the Citadel,” explained Rev. Wilson.

Her Christian faith is the essence of her upbringing and her professional training. She is officially Dr. Janie Wilson, but, “I love when people address me as Sister Janie because we are all in this together,” she said.

Sister Janie said it was when she matured into her 30s that she began to ask herself existential questions.

“What am I here for… Why do I exist? What is the purpose of my life? Those are the questions that became very evident to me,” she said.

She made decisions that led her into counseling as a ministry.

“My life was gonna be a life that I would have to live for Christ. A life that had meaning, that had definition, that had purpose, and I wasn’t gonna be selfish,” she explained.

Offering an ear, a shoulder, and a Biblical doctrine to couples, families and people who need support.

“These conversations are intense, private, intimate and safe,” she said.

For decades – and primarily on the eastside of Charleston – speaking, teaching, and reaching people wherever they are.

“When I talk to people, I sit down with them sometimes it’s more than just bringing a remedy to to their physical circumstance,” she said. “What about the other part of the person? The real person, that inner person, you need somebody to talk to? Let’s talk, let’s make some real changes.”

Her ministry also reaching the most vulnerable – children.

The Little Pink Bus was a school bus painted pink that was used to take dozens of young girls to museums, sporting events, recitals, parades, and programs.

“K5 through sixth grade, we kept these girls from the time they came into the programs every summer we would see them after school…,” she said.

Sister Janie said it was actually more than a bus—it was a bridge.

“For a little girl to realize that no matter what happened in your family last night, you have a place to come and there is someone there who’s willing to help you teach you talk to you provide for you if necessary, we became the surrogate kind of mother for these little girls”

Her consistent care and counseling earned her many awards and accolades, including the attention of state leaders in 2022 when she was bestowed South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

“This is a copy of the Order of the Palmetto,” Sister Janie said.

It is impossible to miss the closeness between Sister Janie and her husband, Rev. Dr. Dallas Wilson. Everyone calls him Brother Dallas.

He told us about learning that she was a ‘Remarkable Women’ finalist.

“I hate colloquialisms, but I was flabbergasted, and it took me back in the way that that I’ve became very thankful, knowing that the work that she was doing was finally going to be recognized,” he said.

Accomplished in his vocation and ministry, but humbly and joyfully celebrating her work.

“I’ve got one person standing next to me that’s remarkable. I’m just hanging on for dear life,” he said.

She is Dr. Janie Wilson: a wife, a counselor, and a friend. A remarkable woman helping others find their own strength.

“I want my life to make a difference in somebody else’s life,” she said. “I take the opportunity to pour what I have learned into other people.”