Janis McCullough

Janis Payne McCullough passed away in Austin on January 31, 2024. Janis was born on July 14, 1938, a native Austinite, and the only child of Harvey and Mary Brown Payne. She was a beautiful and accomplished pianist . Janis began piano lessons at age 5 and got her MS in music at the University of Texas. She particularly enjoyed being an accompanist and making music with other musicians. She is quoted as saying, “My music, in fact my piano, is what makes my heart sing”.

Janis had several jobs in the political realm. In 1962 she went to work in Washington DC - first for Congressman Homer Thornberry and later for Congressman J.J. “Jake” Pickle. With Lyndon Johnson in the White House, Janis said, “My job was somewhat like being on the front row of watching important history being made. Following President Johnson’s death, Janis worked for Lady Bird Johnson at the LBJ Library and also at the LBJ Ranch. Parties often included Janis at the piano with Mrs. Johnson and guests gathered around singing.

Janis married Charles E. “Chuck” McCullough in 1967. In 1970, Chuck founded Avtec Corporation. Janis was always a supportive partner of the business. For many years, they enjoyed summers in their second home in Ruidoso, New Mexico. It was a loving marriage of 51 years until his death in 2018.

Janis was a gifted writer with a delightful sense of humor. She is survived by cousins and many long time friends who dearly loved her.

A very special thanks goes to Andrew Gray for his loyalty and service for over 30 years - and to Barbara King, DeeDee Diaz and all the people at Bluewater Hospice for their loving care. A funeral will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at St. John’s United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park.

Donations may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church in Austin or to the charity of your choice.