Betty Lou Henley Benoit

Lou held a variety of roles in several organizations in Northern Virginia before later moving to Cary, North Carolina where she continued her career with RTI International until her retirement. She was known for her reliability, her willingness to help and her quiet ability to make things run smoothly for those around her.

But Lou’s life was never confined to work. She gave her time generously to her community, ushering at North Carolina Symphony performances, volunteering at Koka Booth Amphitheatre and at Cary events, and serving as part of the Town of Cary Police Citizens Assisting Police (CAP) team. Wherever she went, she carried an easy warmth that turned simple encounters into lasting connections.

Lou had a gift for conversation and a curiosity about people that made strangers feel like friends—but she was no quiet presence. She was outgoing, quick-witted, and carried an energy that filled a room. Lou didn’t fade into the background; she stepped into life fully, with honesty and heart. She said what she meant, laughed easily, and lived with a kind of spirited grace. Her generosity showed up in both large and quiet ways—in her time, her attention, and her willingness to give of herself.

Lou had a big heart that knew no bounds. Over the years, her home was shared with many beloved cats and dogs, each one part of her story. And when she wasn’t working or volunteering, she found joy in setting out on a cruise, always ready for the next adventure.

In the later seasons of her life, Lou spent her final years at Glenaire, a place she truly cherished. Surrounded by laughter, kindness, and companionship, she often spoke of how cared for she felt there. As her health made it harder to get around, she was moved by the steady kindness of those around her—neighbors and friends who showed up for her in ways both big and small.

Lou’s life was made up of these moments of building community—showing up, reaching out and leaving things just a little better than she found them. She leaves behind not just memories, but a feeling that lingers in the many lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas John Henley and Frances Loretta Henley, and her sister, Connie Henley.

She is survived by her brother, Thomas Henley (Alice) of Virginia; two sisters; her stepdaughter, Natalee Dantuono (Mike) of Massachusetts, mother of her grandchildren, Egidio and Kinzler; her stepson, Robert Walter Parker of Florida; her nephew, Christopher Henley Brown of Virginia and his children, Madison and Jack; and her niece, Frances Louise Thomas.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Lou’s life at the Glenaire Theater at 6000 Glenview Garden Pl, Cary, NC 27511 on March 27 at 1:00 p.m. Please come dressed in bright colors to carry on the light that she spread.

In lieu of flowers those who wish, may honor Lou’s memory with a donation to the Duke Cancer Center Fund, the SPCA of Wake County, the Wounded Warrior Fund or any organization that promotes kindness, connection and care for others.

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