Janice Combs is the mother of Sean Combs, whom people also call P. Diddy or Puff Daddy. She brought him up and had a great impact on his professional life. Janice Combs is also a former teacher’s assistant and a former model. In this article, we are going to discuss the life of Janice Combs, how she is close to her well-known son, and some vital experiences of her life.
Quick Facts About Janice Combs
Full Name | Janice Combs |
Birthdate | December 22, 1940 |
Occupation | Former model, teacher’s assistant, entrepreneur |
Husband/Wife | Melvin Earl Combs (died) |
Education | Attended local schools in Harlem, worked as a teacher’s assistant |
Age | 84 years and 5 months old |
Parents | Not Known |
Siblings | Justin Dior Combs, Jessie James Combs, Chance Combs, D’Lila Star Combs, Love Sean Combs, Quincy Taylor Brown, Christian Casey Combs |
Children | Sean Combs (P. Diddy), Keisha Combs |
Net Worth | Estimated at $1-5 million (from various ventures) |
Early Life and Background
Janice Combs was born on December 22, 1940, in Harlem, New York City. She is of Black ethnicity and is an American citizen by nationality. Janice came from Harlem, which is also a culturally rich neighborhood. She used to model and assist teachers to help her raise her family. She was determined and wished to provide a better life for her children.

The Loss of Her Husband
Janice’s life was turned hard when her husband, Melvin Earl Combs, was brutally killed when Sean was just a toddler. This occurred when Sean was two or three years old. Janice was left to bring up Sean alone after his death. She did so with much courage, relocating from Harlem to Mount Vernon, New York, to give her son a better life.

Raising Sean Combs
Janice never allowed her problems to get the best of her. She was determined about Sean’s education and ensured he attended good schools. She ensured that he went to private Catholic schools and afterwards attended college. Education meant a lot to her, and she worked diligently to facilitate Sean’s ambitions. Sean always praises his mother for the sacrifices she made and the encouragement she provided him with throughout his life.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Besides being a mother, Janice also attempted to pursue business. She once owned Mama Duke Southern Cuisine, which is a restaurant, between 2001 and 2005. She has also made appearances in television shows such as America’s Next Top Model and I Want to Work for Diddy. Janice even featured in a 2022 thriller movie, Ear to Ear. She always had the dream of trying new things and expressing her creativity.
Life in a Chaotic Household
Sean Combs came from a background that was not typical. Janice’s home was one where there were wild parties with alcohol, drugs, and adults engaging in sexual activities. These were a standard occurrence in their home, something that some attribute to Sean as he grew older. Although this may have made the household seem complicated, it was the reality that Janice and Sean lived in.
The Tight Knit Relationship Between Son and Mother
Janice and Sean still had a tight knit relationship despite all the problems and confusion surrounding them. Sean has never denied how much his mother influenced his life. Out of respect for her, he named his publishing and management companies after her. Sean also appointed her as his restaurant manager, reflecting on how much he cared for her in his business life.
Standing Up for Her Son
Janice has stood by her son all along, particularly during hard times. Sean Combs encountered serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering in recent years. In spite of negative media coverage of her son, Janice has come out in his defense. She claimed that although Sean is “not perfect,” he is not the monster that the media portrays him to be. She is convinced that the charges were untrue and has made statements to uphold his name.
READ ALSO: Sean Combs Net worth, Age, Partner, Family, Facts & More
A Legacy of Strength and Support
Janice Combs has demonstrated tremendous strength and commitment throughout her life. She brought Sean up by herself after losing her husband and ensured he had the facilities he required to thrive. Though their life was not always straightforward, she made every effort to ensure Sean was loved and supported. She stood by him all the time, even when circumstances were difficult.
Janice Combs Today
Janice is currently in her 80s, but she remains a significant part of Sean Combs’s life. She has had some health issues, including being hospitalized in 2024, but she remains a strong presence in her family. Sean has always demonstrated how much he loves and values her, and he still shows her respect in numerous ways.