Janis Jewell Newman

Janis was born in Goose Creek, Texas, but being a trailblazer, she set off for college after graduating. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, Billy Ray Newman. Their marriage spanned 66-years and was filled with good friends, travel, and mischief, but it was their home and family that brought them the most joy.

She was a loving and devoted mother to her three daughters, Renee Newman (Mitch), Lisa Newman (Merrie), and Kristin Benedetto (James). Her favorite stories to hear and tell revolved around her grandchildren, James Jr. and John Benedetto, Aleah (Rene) and Troy Petmecky, and Jillian Newman. The week prior to her death, a great grandchild, Nethanel, was welcomed into this family (Aleah & Rene). Janis is survived by her sister Judy, sister-in-law Rosemary, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Her kindness, grace, and lofty expectations resonated throughout the Newman household. As we gather and share stories about her impact on us, we talk about the dignity with which she held herself and the work ethic she modeled throughout her life. And, of course, we cannot help but laugh about her tendency to yell out “Yo-Ho” when she had a good hand in Phase 10 or how she called Bill’s name on his many attempts to teasingly tell ‘the chicken story,’ about some interesting cooking choices she made as a young bride. But it was her smile that we will all remember. The warmth that made you know you were safe, the look that made you know you were loved, and the joy that made you want to keep coming back to the special place known as Baby and Paw Paw’s house.

Janis carried the same level of devotion, commitment and lofty expectations to her work as well. Even before women were allowed to open their own checking account, she was managing a large chain of grocery stores. Eventually, she transferred her management skills into higher education as the Chief of Staff at the University of Houston and Texas Southern University (TSU).

While working at TSU, she led numerous successful initiatives that advanced the university’s growth and impact. Among her most notable contributions were the establishment of the Newman Management Institute and her enduring passion for supporting students and their success.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to scholarship programs at Texas Southern University. Donate to Mrs. Janis J. Newman Memorial:(https://give.tsu.edu/give/787233/#!/donation/checkout)

These funds will be used to assist students who are close to graduating but need a little financial assistance to reach their goals.

The Internment Service will be held at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384, US, on April 12, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.

Immediately after a Celebration of Life will be held at Lupe Tortilla Mexican Restaurant, 19437 I-45 N, Shenandoah, TX 77385.