Jane Knapp

Jane “Janie” Butler Knapp, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and loyal friend to many, passed away on Wednesday, the 19th of June, 2024 at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas with her family by her side. Born on the 20th of May, 1952 in Nuremberg, Germany, she lived her elementary and early high school years in Orange, California before moving to Houston where she graduated from Lamar High School in 1970. She worked for United Computing Services as a loyal employee from 1973 to 1983 and was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Janie married the love of her life, George “Larry” Knapp on the 23rd of August,1975, and they built a life together in Houston for over 50 years with three children. Janie and Larry enjoyed traveling to the family ranch located outside of Raymondville, Texas, their home in Calvert, Texas, and have many fond memories with friends at Lake LBJ and Lake Travis. 

A talented artist and poet, she enjoyed taking classes at the Glassell School of Art and spent countless years studying and writing poetry. Her lifelong dream was to write a poetry resource book entitled A Handful of Seeds. She was able to fulfill this dream the day before being admitted to the hospital when she officially submitted her book to publishing. Her family is dedicated to seeing this through to continue her legacy.

Janie will be remembered for her steadfast dedication to her faith, family, and friends. Always able to see the good in everyone she encountered, she never met a stranger and was like a second mother to many. She provided spiritual strength and physical sustenance to family and friends alike and would give anything she had for nothing in return. Renowned for her gracious hospitality, her home was always filled with good food, laughter, and fun. 

Janie is survived by her husband, Larry; her three children, Meredith and husband Chris Holland, Katie, and Connor; her grandson, Hudson; her four brothers, Phillip, John, Robert, and Michael Pennington; her sister, Patricia Pennington; and her beloved goddaughter, Laura Wilcox, and her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bette Jane and Phillip Pennington, Sr.

A funeral service is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 28th of June at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, Texas 77025.

Family and close friends will gather for an interment at Calvert Cemetery in Calvert, Texas. 

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Janie’s honor may be directed to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 65, Calvert, Texas 77837; Calvert Cemetery Association Inc.,P.O. Box 565, Calvert, Texas 77837; or the charity of one’s choice.

Please share your memories and words of comfort and condolences via the online website.