Janie Lee Bentley was born Janie Lee Guyton on December 23, 1936 in Mississippi. She grew up in a rural town near Kosciusko, Mississippi, where she attended school and was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Janie met John Allen Bentley in High School. They married and had six children, Hazel Jean, James Allen, Ella Loyce, Antley Jr, Tommy Joe, and Kacy Lee. She was a great mother who gave her children guidance and provided a lot of valuable teachings.

Janie had a variety of skills, including being a talented seamstress. She made many beautiful garments for herself and daughters Hazel and Ella. However, she did not limit her gift to just family.

Janie was a very hardworking and reliable woman. She worked for Garan’s Plant and a local hospital in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Later, when the family relocated to Wisconsin, Janie would go on to work for Milwaukee Electric Tools for over 25 years, where she also retired.

She was a very religious woman who attended church regularly as a member of King Solomon Baptist Church in Milwaukee.

In 2018, Janie was diagnosed with dementia. She was placed under the care of her daughter Ella Loyce in California, where she later died peacefully in her sleep on July 9th, 2025.

Janie was preceded in death by sons Kacy, James and Antley.

She will be remembered by her 15 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

Janie was a righteous woman with integrity. She had great character and was a very fair and honest person. She will remain in our hearts forever.