With heavy hearts, the family of Janice Carol Blaney Shaw announce her passing Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in her home in Morgantown, at the age of 78. She was born April 13, 1947, in Morgantown, to Edward Carl and Martha Kathleen Loraw Blaney.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and older brother, Ronald Lee Blaney.
She is survived by sons, Gerald (Jerry) Stone and Thomas (Tom) Stone; grandson, Ryan Haught; sister, Beatrice Blaney Carlo and family; and sister-in-law, Linda Johnson Blaney and family.
Janice asked that others be mentioned here that were important to her in life – namely her lifetime friend, Paul Simmons and his son, Scott Simmons and family, and grandsons, Michael Simmons and Mitchell Simmons and their families. Also, to be included here are those who became “adopted” family who lovingly called her “Ma”: Dustin Glover, Garrett Glover and others too numerous to mention.
Special thanks to Kathy Dawn Cooper and her family for all the help and goodness they bestowed to Janice during her time of need. To everyone else who stepped up to be of help when it was needed, thanks.
Janice was a 1965 graduate of University High School in Morgantown. That same year, she started training as a histological and laboratory technician, eventually becoming licensed in this field. Her career spanned 40+ years with West Virginia University Basic Sciences, working in numerous departments – Animal Sciences, Neurology, Pathology, Dermatology, and Anatomy. Along the way, she did a short stint in medical assisting and phlebotomy after being certified by the Morgantown Career College.
She retired in 2012 and dedicated her retirement years to nurturing family and friends, as well as the occasional Christmas craft or crochet project that she dearly loved doing.
Janice was a warrior in every sense, facing life’s challenges with grace and strength. Her legacy is one of perseverance, love, giving to others, and unwavering support for those she cared about. She will be dearly missed.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Saturday, March 28, from 3 to 7 p.m., in the Clinton District Volunteer Fire Department Banquet Hall, 1989 Grafton Road, Morgantown.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family to help reduce unexpected expenses.
The family is being served by Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home, 10 South High Street, Morgantown.
Condolences for the family may be posted at www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
