Mary Jane “Janie” Benson, of Waynesville, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Haywood Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

Born on January 23, 1941, in Haywood County, North Carolina, Janie was the daughter of the late William Johnathan “Jack” and Ellen Robinson Nichols. A lifelong learner with a heart for helping others, she graduated from Fines Creek High School before attending Brevard College, and later completing her degree in Christian Education at Pfeiffer University. She completed many post graduate courses at Duke University and during this time became a true Blue Devils basketball fan.

Janie had a passion for education, beginning her career as the Director of Christian Education for several congregations of the United Methodist Church. She then began her teaching career in Hendersonville, NC. Children held a particularly special place in Janie’s heart. Throughout her life, she taught preschool and kindergarten, worked with children through church programs, and devoted much of her career to helping children reach their fullest potential.

Janie later served as the Director of the Pre-School associated with the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she met William “Bill” Benson, the love of her life. The couple married on October 12, 1986, at the chapel in Lake Junaluska. Janie and Bill shared more than 40 wonderful years together.

After leaving Saudi Arabia, Janie and Bill moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where she worked at the Meyer Center for Special Children. Janie embodied their vision that all children could reach their true potential with proper education and therapy. She and Bill later retired and moved back to her childhood home in Waynesville in 2003, where they became devoted members of Faith United Methodist Church. Janie was actively involved in the community she loved, and served for a time as president of the Haywood County Democratic Party. She continued to advocate for children through the guardian ad litem program.

Janie was a voracious reader and enjoyed books of all genres. She treasured her memberships in local book clubs. Janie was never afraid of a new adventure, and she and Bill became avid travelers. Her favorite destinations included Africa, Italy, and Scotland.

Her commitment to education and service was recognized by Brevard College when she received the Distinguished Alumni Award—an honor reflecting a life spent making a difference in the lives of others. In the words of an article, “Benson has taken Brevard College’s motto ‘learn in order to serve’ to heart and spent her life serving others.”

In addition to her parents, Janie was preceded in death by her husband Kirtikumar Christian. She is survived by brother Johnny Nichols of Waynesville, nephew John David Nichols, and many beloved cousins.

The family would like to thank Smoky Mountain Health and Rehabilitation and Haywood Memorial Hospital, especially Dr. Burney, for the care Janie received during her illness.

The family will hold a private celebration of life for Janie at a later date. Janie may be remembered through memorials to the Meyer Center for Special Children, 1132 Rutherford Road, Greenville, South Carolina 26909.

The care of Mrs. Benson has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.