Obituary of Barbara Lea Benson

Barbara Lea Benson, 81, of Martinsburg, WV, formerly of Morgantown, passed away on June 28, 2024 under the care of Hospice of the Panhandle. Born March 5, 1943, in Morgantown, she was the daughter of the late Harland “Mose” and Jessie P. Wilburn. Barbara was a 1961 graduate of University High School in Morgantown. She worked as a secretary in the old West Virginia University Hospital in her young adult years. In 1969, she married and dedicated her time to raising a family and maintaining a loving home as a full-time homemaker. In 2005, Barbara became a doting grandmother to twin granddaughters. After having been a lifelong resident of Cheat Lake, she and her husband moved to the Eastern Panhandle shortly thereafter to be nearer to family, where she remained until her passing. She attended St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Martinsburg and formerly Calvary United Methodist Church in Cheat Neck. Barbara liked to collect vintage glass cake stands and Blue Willow plates. She had an affinity for ceramic chickens and enjoyed crocheting, knitting, crafting and quilting. In addition, she and her husband often went antiquing. Barbara is survived by two daughters, Tara Gregory (Doug) of Martinsburg and Marsha Macneal (Sean) of Queenstown, MD; two granddaughters, Sophie and Chloe Gregory of Martinsburg; one brother, Don Wilburn; sisters-in-law, Sandy Wilburn and Kay Furman, all of Cheat Lake; cousin and dear friend Deby Arnett of Morgantown; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hobert K. “Bud” Benson on January 1, 2022; and one sister, Shirley Britton. Family and friends may call at the Hastings Funeral Home in Morgantown on Sunday, July 7th from 4-7 PM and again on Monday, July 8th from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM with Rev. Larry Buckland officiating. Burial will follow in the Bruceton Cemetery, Bruceton Mills where Barbara will be laid to rest alongside her husband. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Panhandle, 330 Hospice Lane, Kearneysville, WV 25430. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.