About Janice Oh

Early Life and Family

Janice Oh was born on April 12, 1949, in Miryang, South Korea. She was the youngest of three daughters and the sixth of seven children. When asked about her childhood, she often shared stories of her humble farm upbringing, including a story about her pet pig and its mysterious disappearance one day. Janice grew up with a deep appreciation for art and nature, finding joy in the beauty of the countryside that surrounded her hometown. Growing up as the school principal’s daughter, she was always a model student who worked hard and set a good example.

Immigration and Marriage

In 1973, she immigrated to the United States, arriving in Galveston, Texas, where she briefly stayed with her eldest sister, Julie Park. With a passion for drawing, she soon took on a job illustrating microscopic plankton for her brother-in-law, a professor, to include in his academic textbooks. In her spare time she enjoyed learning new recipes to cook, took English courses at the local community college, and spent time with Julie's family. Through her sister Julie, Janice met her future husband, Jae Oh.

Family and Career

Janice and Jae were married in Korea, settled in Houston, and had two children, Daniel and Nina. Together, they owned and operated several convenience stores until their retirement in 2013. Janice was always the face of business, and her customers cherished her warm smile and welcoming presence. Before her marriage, in her twenties, she put her creativity and skills to work as a licensed cosmetologist at Paul Mitchell salons in Houston.

Dedication and Interests

Janice was someone who cherished family above all else. Although she had many hobbies, they were always secondary to her deep commitment to her family as a wife, mother, sister, and aunt. She always warmly welcomed visits from her children and grandchildren and found great joy in having the whole family together. She believed it was her duty to support her loved ones whenever needed, often prioritizing their needs over her own, regardless of how she felt. Her hobbies ranged from drawing, fashion, and traveling to knitting and collecting knickknacks. She cherished spending time with her sisters and was a passionate Houston sports fan, especially devoted to the Astros, Rockets, and Oilers. In her later years, she enjoyed watching K-dramas and The Masked Singer, while still making a point to catch every Astros and Rockets game.