Funeral arrangements have been set for Janice S. McNair, the late co-founder of the Houston Texans. The public will have an opportunity to pay their respects during a visitation on July 23, followed by her funeral service on July 24.
Janice McNair passed away peacefully on July 14 at the age of 89, surrounded by her family in Houston. She is remembered not only as a prominent figure in the world of football but also as a devoted mother and grandmother, leaving behind four children, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Her husband, Robert McNair, preceded her in death in 2018.
Details of the Services
The public visitation will take place on July 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Geo H. Lewis & Sons, located at 1010 Bering Drive. The funeral service will be held on Friday, July 24 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, situated at 3471 Westheimer Road.
A Legacy of Giving
Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Janice was actively involved in various extracurricular activities during her youth, including sports and student government. She graduated from Columbia College with a degree in education and was a proud breast cancer survivor.
After relocating to Houston in 1960, Janice and her husband dedicated their lives to philanthropy, focusing on education and medical research. Together, they contributed over half a billion dollars to charitable causes through various foundations, including The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation and the Houston Texans Foundation, where Janice served as a director.
In 2025, she was honored as the fourth member of the Texans Ring of Honor, where she was celebrated for her pivotal role in bringing football back to Houston. Her name now hangs alongside that of her late husband and Texans legends Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt, a testament to her enduring legacy.
Impact on Houston and Beyond
The Houston Texans Foundation, established in 2002, was born from the McNairs’ commitment to positively impact the community, especially its youth. Since its inception, the foundation has raised over $51 million to inspire hope and support youth development in the Houston area.
Through their philanthropic efforts, the McNairs also established McNair Scholars programs at prestigious institutions, including the University of South Carolina and Baylor College of Medicine, aimed at fostering academic excellence and innovation in medical research. Their contributions have significantly advanced educational and entrepreneurial initiatives across the nation.
