July 19, 1949 — December 1, 2025
Janet Lee Hill Benincosa, 76, passed away on December 1, 2025, after a brief but devastating battle with aggressive cancer. She died surrounded by the love and devotion of her family.
Born in Charleston, West Virginia, to Lewis “Bus” and Jeanette Corns Hill, Janet grew up in the small community of Ruth, WV. She attended George Washington High School during its inaugural year, spent time at Marshall University, and completed her undergraduate degree at Morris Harvey College. While raising her children, she pursued her Master’s of Arts degree in Education from West Virginia University, earning honors and demonstrating the tireless work ethic that would define her life.
She never had an easy life as an adult. Walking up the steep driveway in icy winter snow while pregnant, lugging groceries after a full day of working because the winter snow made it impossible to drive up, and managing the household, she carried the full weight of raising her children as the primary caregiver and breadwinner. Even when times were hard, she made sure her children felt rich in love, often eating their leftovers so they always had enough, giving everything she could without complaint. She carefully stretched dollars and managed the household. Selfless to the core, she built a home full of love, laughter and security, despite the hardships she faced, a feat of strength and willpower her children will never forget and are grateful for. Janet prided herself on being “Steady Janet…ready for anything”—the rock of the family, the unwavering presence everyone could depend on through joy and struggle alike.
Janet devoted her life to education and had a long, distinguished, and award-winning career spanning more than 40 years, shaping young minds at every level. A dedicated, hard worker with an extraordinary work ethic, she approached every classroom, every lesson, and every student with care, attention, and determination. She began teaching elementary school in Boone and Kanawha Counties before moving to Harrison County, where she taught at Pierpont and Nutter Fort Elementary Schools. She later taught English, Reading, and Social Studies at South Harrison High School until her children graduated. She also taught graduate-level courses at Salem International University in technology integration.
Her dedication to teaching earned her numerous honors, including Harrison County Language Arts Teacher of the Year, the Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award, the Ashland Golden Apple Achiever Award, and the prestigious Caperton Educational Technology Award in 2005.
Janet’s interest in educational technology grew through Phase 9 training with the West Virginia High Technology Foundation, where she learned to thoughtfully integrate technology into classroom instruction. She went on to teach computer classes at Nutter Fort Intermediate School before joining the Harrison County Board of Education as a Technology Integration Specialist, serving all Harrison County Schools, until her retirement in 2014. She continued teaching online professional development courses exclusively for teachers through the West Virginia Department of Education. Her lesson plan templates were used statewide and became a hallmark of her influence on generations of educators.
She became widely known across West Virginia for her lesson plan templates, which were used by countless teachers. People would often hear her last name and ask, “Are you related to the lesson plan template Janet?” This would be followed by heartfelt praise for how her work improved their classrooms and their confidence as educators.
Early in her career, she was one of the “Dirty Dozen,” a small, courageous group of teachers who stood up against a bullying administrator filing a grievance in a time where such action carried real professional risk, even more serious professional risk than today, reflecting her independent spirit and her instinct to fight for what was right. This was something in her professional life for which her children will always be proud. She was a rebel at heart, always rooting for the underdog and unafraid to follow her own path.
That conviction came naturally. As the granddaughter of John C. McCoy, an authentic “redneck” coal miner and union steward during West Virginia’s mining wars, Janet inherited a deep sense of justice and a refusal to be intimidated in the workplace. She remained a strong advocate for educators’ rights throughout her career as she later became a charter member of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in Harrison County. Janet was a rebel at heart, but not one who sought attention. She stayed rooted in independence and moral courage. She stood her ground when she felt something wasn’t right.
Her family was the center of her world. Janet was the proud mother of Julia (Travis) Legg , Mark Anthony (Natalie) Benincosa II , Jonathan (Amber) Benincosa, and Joseph Benincosa, who devoted his life to her until the end. She adored her grandchildren Matthew (whom she helped raise), Asher, Nadia, and step-grandson Colton Legg.
She passed on her tireless work ethic, her commitment to doing what was right, and her passion for life to her children. We do our best to carry her legacy forward every day. She was not only our “Mommy,” but our protector, our home, our “person,” our best friend, and our heart. They say grief is love with nowhere to go. The depth of grief felt by Janet’s children and grandchildren is a testament to the immense love she poured into them.
She is also survived by her sisters Rebecca Payne, Denise Morris, and Leigh Ann Withrow, along with many beloved nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Janet loved the small, joyful things that made life rich. She delighted in watching the deer visit her apple tree and listening to the song of her favorite bird, the Eastern Towhee. She prepared and baked legendary sweets. Her chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter fudge were favorites of her grandchildren, and the teddy bear bread and candies she made remain cherished memories for her children. In the last days of her life, simple pleasures brought her comfort, particularly Cracker Barrel pinto beans and cornbread, and her favorite ice creams and candies.
She also cherished the time she spent with her son, Joe, whether they were sharing a cheeseball and crackers, playing Scrabble or Dr. Mario, making music together on Rock Band with Janet on keyboards and Joe on drums or guitar, watching their favorite shows like Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Top Gear, and The Grand Tour, assembling jigsaw puzzles, or tackling the daily Wordle.
Music flowed through Janet’s life. She was a gifted musician who could play by ear without the need for sheet music. She played the piano, bass guitar, guitar, and sang beautifully. She shared that love with her children, especially her son, Mark Anthony, who went on to make music a central part of his life. Janet followed and supported him throughout his musical journey, even when his tastes diverged far from her own. He is now a musician, audio engineer, producer, and music professor. He engineered and co-produced an album that was nominated for a Grammy, a source of immense pride and joy for her. She also remained active with Mark and her daughter-in-law, Natalie, enjoying bicycle rides together or relaxing outdoors with their dogs, Giza, Rudy, and Luna.
Travel was another treasured part of Janet’s life, and she shared many adventures with her daughter and grandson. They journeyed to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Disney World, the Grand Canyon, Cleveland’s A Christmas Story House, and Cincinnati to see Jimmy Buffett. Her favorite escapes were either to ocean destinations with palm trees or to The Greenbrier Resort here in West Virginia. Calling themselves “the Roaming Gnomes,” they never roamed alone, and sometimes even showed up somewhere wearing the same color or outfit. Even when miles separated them, Janet felt her daughter’s joys and pain, as if they were her own. Whether it was labor pain or kidney stones, personal triumphs or career milestones, Janet shared in every sacred moment, small or large. Janet shared a connection with Julia that transcended mother and daughter, a soulmate bond that spanned every mile and moment. That unbreakable closeness leaves a mom-sized space behind, a tender ache that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who loved her. Her true “other,” Janet helped raise her grandson, whose middle name means “fifth child,” as his “other” parent, providing a presence that was steadfast, nurturing, and full of love. She was there from the day he was born and throughout his life, someone he could always count on to be there for school events, band performances, and every moment in between. Meme was precious to him, and they shared a bond that far surpassed that of grandmother and grandson.
Cancer left her body frail, shattered, and in relentless pain. However, her spirit remained fiercely stubborn, even as her body betrayed her. She refused to do anything she did not want, living on her own terms to the end. While she remained unyielding, she was filled with love, defiance, and the same fire that had carried her through a lifetime of challenges. She endured suffering that would have crushed most and faced it with an indomitable heart, a rebellious spirit, and the fierce devotion that defined her life. She demonstrated her rebel spirit to the last, declining aggressive treatments in favor of quality of life. Sadly, that wish was not fully realized. Still, she had moments of happiness in her final days. One of those was when all her children gathered with her to eat meals, but most importantly, lots of cake, for her final birthday celebration in July.
The family extends profound gratitude to family friend and nurse Keri Bennett, whom Janet trusted and called when she was frightened or needed reassurance and medical support, as well as to WVU Hospice Nurse Barb, whose brief time with Janet in her last days was a godsend. Barb brought meaningful pain relief, but also compassionate support for her children as they struggled emotionally.
Deep appreciation is also extended to Dr. Pooja Gogia Bhasin at the WVU Cancer Center. She remained steady and patient in exploring every option to honor Janet’s goal of comfort, though ultimately that goal was only partially achieved.
Janet’s faith in God ran deep, passed down through generations. Her grandfather donated the land where Ruth Community Church stands today, and her parents were devoted members. Though raised Baptist, Janet later became Catholic and most recently attended All Saints Catholic Church in Bridgeport. The family is deeply grateful to Father Walt Jagela for traveling to administer the Anointing of the Sick and Last Rites during her illness. Janet found particular closeness to God through music, especially that of Stephen Pishner.
Among her belongings were several Bible verses. Most meaningful to her was Luke 15:22. This was the story of the Father running to the prodigal son, clothing him in dignity, restoring him, and celebrating his return. This was her hope: that no matter how broken her body, no matter how much was lost, God would run to her, wrap her in restoration, and welcome her home. Now, the work she carried so long is laid down. A hard-won and deeply deserved peace is finally hers. Though her body could no longer carry her, Janet’s spirit soars on. Fierce, stubborn, loving, and unyielding, she leaves behind a legacy of courage, devotion, and rebellion in its most beautiful form. This courage, devotion, and rebellion is the kind that makes you stand for what is right, protect the ones you love, and refuse to bow to unfairness or fear. She was a dedicated and hard worker in her classrooms, in her home, or in the care and guidance of her family. She passed those ethics and sense of responsibility on to her children, who carry them forward in everything they do. She was the heartbeat of her family, the quiet strength that held them together, the steady hand and the warm embrace in every storm. In every laughter shared, every lesson taught, every song sung, and every meal made with love, Janet’s presence remains.
Her children and grandchildren carry forward her lessons of resilience, determination, and love. In every small act of kindness, every stubborn act of independence, and every moment of faith and joy, her unbreakable, fierce, independent spirit will be found. She was steady, unshakable, and full of fierce, tireless devotion. Janet Lee Hill Benincosa, our mother, grandmother, teacher, sister, and friend, has left her mark on the world and in our hearts. She is forever guiding, watching, and loving us, just as she always did. Everything we are we owe to our angel mother. Her legacy of love, strength, and stubborn joy will endure in the hearts of those who knew her.
Per her wishes, a private funeral and burial were held for immediate family with her children honoring her.
Donations may be made in her honor to the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia’s Young Birders Club, a non-profit organization in Morgantown, WV or to the non-profit, One Tree Planted. Prayers, hugs, and love for the family are also always welcome.
