Naomi Jean Nassour Koury-Mecey of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully at her home on June 6, 2018, at the age of 77 after battling stage 4 gall bladder cancer for almost two years. A native Austinite of Lebanese descent, Naomi was born on August 20, 1940, the daughter of Sam Nassour and Lucille Joseph Nassour.
Naomi attended St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Mary’s Academy from grade school through high school before obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Texas. She always said her blood runs burnt orange and loved going to UT football games. Initially pursuing a career as a medical technologist over her love of fashion design, she later returned to this passion with the family run business of Naomi’s Dress Shops having owned several boutique stores in Austin. Subsequently, Naomi expanded her family of friends when she joined Amelia Bullock Realtors, and was a realtor agent for over 30 years.
Naomi was blessed with three beautiful children in whom she instilled her love for her Lebanese roots, carrying on the Lebanese tradition of love for large family gatherings and lots of food. She was at her happiest when surrounded by family and valued those times the most, a treasure she has passed down to her children and grandchildren. She belonged to the Austin Board of Realtors, American Lebanese Association of Austin and Cedars Club of Austin. In addition, Naomi loved traveling and creating new adventures especially with her family.
Throughout her life, Naomi taught her children to have a positive attitude, always have a smile on your face, and to help others. She was everything a child could ask for in a mother – responsible, protecting, inspiring, and above all, encouraging. Mom taught us to never give up on our dreams, and supported us in our choices, even when she might not have agreed with them. She was a role model as a mother and as a wonderful human being who looked outwards towards others, particularly those in need.
Naomi is preceded in death by her parents Sam Nassour and Lucille Joseph Nassour and her loving husband, Louis Mecey of 21 years. She is survived by her three children, daughter Cheryl Koury, son and daughter-in-law Robert Koury Jr. and Jody Koury, and daughter Stephanie Koury, stepson John Mecey and wife Kathy Mecey; her grandchildren Amy Koury, Samuel Koury Langford, Michelle Koury, Benjamin Koury Langford, Daniel Mecey and wife Jourdan Mecey, and Kendall Mecey; her sister and brother-in-law, Sandra Nassour Hornberger and Ronald Hornberger; her loving niece, Kristina Hornberger Somerville and husband Paul Somerville, nephews, Joe Hornberger and wife Kelly Hornberger, and David Hornberger and wife Catherine Hornberger; eight great nieces and nephews; her former spouse, Robert Koury, Sr. and many cousins and relatives including Harvey Sab and wife Rosie Sab, and Donna Burkett.
The family will receive visitors from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2018, with the Rosary at 7:00 pm, Cook Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78752. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018, at 9:30 am St. Mary’s Cathedral, 203 East 10th Street, Austin, Texas, 78701. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Reception to follow the burial at the Our Lady's Maronite Church, 1320 E 51st St, Austin, Texas.
Honorary Pallbearers are Amy Koury, Samuel Koury Langford, Michelle Koury, Benjamin Koury Langford, Kristina Hornberger Somerville, Joe Hornberger, and David Hornberger.
In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made to the Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78759, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org or 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.
To share condolences with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
