Janaeya Danielle Carmouche, 44, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, due to complications from pneumonia.

Born on February 1, 1982, Janaeya was a proud Houstonian through and through–deeply connected to the city that shaped her and that she, in turn, helped shape. She brought vibrancy, humor, and boundless generosity into every space she entered. Janaeya had a rare gift: she could fill a room with laughter, ease someone’s burden with a kind word, and make anyone feel cherished and seen. She was the kind of woman who would truly give you the clothes off her back and her care for others extended far beyond her inner circle. She poured her heart into her community, always ready to lend a hand, share a smile, or stand up for others.

A proud alumna of Barbara Jordan High School, Janaeya was deeply involved on campus and was honored as Ms. Barbara Jordan, a title that reflected not only her beauty and charisma but her leadership, kindness, and the respect she earned from peers and educators alike.

Janaeya continued her commitment to service and leadership as an active and engaged member of the Sam Houston State University community. During her time on campus, she participated in the NAACP, Black Student Alliance (BSA), PRSSA, and other student organizations. She was also a devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, a sisterhood she held close to her heart.

Her devotion to public service and civic engagement extended into her professional life. Janaeya played an impactful role in Houston politics, serving as a staffer, candidate for Houston City Council, consultant, and later as a government relations executive. Through her work, she championed causes that mattered deeply to her and helped influence policies that strengthened her community.

Her commitment to service was also deeply rooted in her faith. Janaeya spent 19 years serving and leading in social justice, community development, and disaster response ministries at The Community of Faith Church. She was also a founding board member of The Bread of Life, Inc., where she helped support and uplift individuals facing housing challenges in and around Downtown Houston–another reflection of her lifelong mission to serve those most in need.

Janaeya found joy in music, art, shopping, and the richness of the world around her, but her greatest joy was people. Whether sharing laughter, deep conversation, or quiet moments of connection, she had a way of making everyone feel valued, loved, and uplifted.

Her love is carried forward through her family and friends. She is cherished in memory by her mother, Theresa Carmouche; her stepfather, Joseph LeDé; her uncle, Joseph Wayne Carmouche; her sisters, Dana Carmouche and Briauna LeDé; her aunt, Dr. Carol D. (McCree) Roy; her once husband and always life partner, Damon Williams; her “bonus” children, Kaitlin, Keenan, Naeem, Assad, and Dre; and her grandchildren whom she adored as “Lola”, Aiden, Caleb, and Naomi. Janaeya lovingly stepped in as a full‑time mother to Naomi following the passing of Naomi’s biological mother last year. She is also remembered fondly by her nieces and nephews–Daisja, Derek, Chloe, and Osiris–along with a wide circle of extended family, friends, sorority sisters, colleagues, and community members whose lives she touched deeply.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Ricky McCree; her maternal grandparents, Mary Mable (Senegal) and Aldia Carmouche; her paternal grandparents, Dr. Willie A. and Carolyn Yvonne McCree; her uncle, Charles “Larry” Carmouche; and her cousins, Christopher Carmouche and Mary Carmouche.

A celebration of Janaeya’s life will be held on Saturday, April 11 at The Community of Faith Church, 1024 Pinemont Street, Houston, Texas 77091. The Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremony will begin at 4 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 5 p.m. and a repast.

Janaeya’s life was defined by laughter, love, service, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. She leaves behind a legacy rich with compassion, leadership, courage, and joy and will continue to inspire everyone blessed to have known her.

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