All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Janet Arlene McGrew

Janet Arlene McGrew, 83, of Buckhannon, West Virginia passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Serenity Care Home in Buckhannon, West Virginia.  She was born on November 2, 1939, in Niagara Falls, New York to her late parents Floyd and Margaret Carmack. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, John V. McGrew Jr.

Janet is survived by her sister, Patricia Layne of New Haven, WV and her six children and their spouses:  John “Kenny” (Retha) of Moyock, NC; Mike (Sheri) of Buckhannon, WV; Joanna Mitchell (Kenny) of Huntington, WV; Steve (Dianna) of Smithfield, VA; Scott (Melissa) of Midlothian, VA; Jason (Mindi) of Hurricane, WV.

Janet is also survived by fifteen grandchildren:  Jessica, John (Travis), Ashley, Chelsie, Tanner, Korey, Brianna, Stephen, Jordyn, Bailey, Brooklyn, John, Jack, Mitch and Rhett.

Additionally, Janet is survived by sixteen great grandchildren:  Collin, Savannah, John “Luke,” Rylee, Hendrix, Blake, Cole, Quincy, Keegan, Aubree, Cameron, Parker, Sloan, Mason, Fallon and Preston.

Janet had been a resident of Upshur County since 1961 and an active member of Tennerton United Methodist Church for over 40 years where she played piano and sang in the choir. She and her late husband John were active in the community dedicating several years to delivering for the Meals On Wheels organization. Raising six children, she spent a large portion of her life at sporting events.  She was always there to support and push her kids to do their very best – the same standard she held herself to every day. 

Janet believed in God, family, sacrifice and accountability.  She was full of passion and wouldn’t think of backing down from a fight when defending her family. She was truly her kids rock, and her husband’s most trusted confidant. She taught her kids and grandchildren to be disciplined, respectful, and serious about life, by always choosing truth over comfort.  If you were going to be late, you better call, if you were talking to one of her loved ones, it better be with respect. Her positive impact on family and community were noteworthy, and something to be proud of. Her loving spirit will be missed, but always remembered, and the life lessons she taught will live on for generations. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Serenity Care and Hospice for the respect, dignity, and kindness they provided our family during her stay and final weeks of life.  We are forever grateful.

Friends will be received at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel (940 Route 20 South Road, Buckhannon, WV  26201) on Saturday, March 4 at 11:00 AM with funeral services beginning at 12:45 PM with Pastor Dwayne Brown and Dr. Korey Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in the Heavner Cemetery. 

Online condolences may be extended to the McGrew family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The McGrew family has entrusted the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services with funeral arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Kelly Povroznik earns certification in integrative and functional nutrition

Kelly Povroznik, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned certification as an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, bringing advanced holistic nutrition expertise to her patients and community.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman says numerous community complaints led to vape shop raids

Community complaints about Upshur County vape shops selling to minors prompted a months-long investigation that led to multi-agency raids, seizure of $500,000 in illegal products, and an ongoing probe with arrests likely.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 19, 2025

Argo Books is launching a community co-op, the Upshur County Library has won a grant for new computer classes, Meals on Wheels needs volunteers, and Fish Hawk Acres has resumed ‘grab & go’ service but paused breakfast.

Weese family legacy burns bright as Brandon coaches Flame 304 to new growth

Brandon Weese is continuing his family’s Buckhannon-Upshur basketball legacy by coaching the Flame 304 girls travel team, which now features players from multiple counties and emphasizes both athletic and personal growth.

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.

Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur welcomes new members, new president for 2025-26

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur installed Sandi LaRosa as its new president for 2025-26 after a year marked by 1,500 service hours, significant membership growth, and numerous community grants.

Kyle and Judy Lane to celebrate 60th wedding anniversary this weekend

Kyle and Judy Lane will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a gathering at Kesling Mill Lions Club on June 21, inviting friends and family to join in marking the milestone.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital welcomes Valorie Richardson as surgical services manager

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has appointed Valorie Richardson, a veteran surgical nurse and leader, as Manager of Surgical Services, citing her extensive experience and dedication to patient-centered care.

Upshur Update: Catch up on the latest local news in our June 17, 2025 podcast

This week’s Upshur Update podcast covers a new school cellphone policy, a hospital leadership hire, local student achievements, a DUI arrest, community outreach for houseless residents, a job opening, and record attendance at the Strawberry Festival.

Mother, son both earn degrees from WVWC School of Nursing

Mother and son Valerie and Noah Jordan both graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College’s School of Nursing during Commencement Weekend, celebrating their shared family tradition and commitment to nursing education and leadership.
Upshur County Courthouse

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 17, 2025

This week’s local highlights include a scholarship for the Class of 2026, a free Soulful Energy Festival, temporary service changes at Fish Hawk Acres, and open youth soccer registration for the fall.

Celebrate the summer solstice with an evening paddle hosted by the Buckhannon River Watershed Association

The Buckhannon River Watershed Association is inviting the public to a free, all-level Summer Solstice paddle and ice cream social on June 21, promoting community and river stewardship along a gentle four-mile river stretch.