Mariam Farah Abboud

Mary was born in Valdosta, Georgia, on May 21, 1940, to Ziadeh and Bahia Farah. Her family moved to Jacksonville when Mary was only two years old. Mary attended Beulah Beal, North Shore, and Lackawanna Elementaries and John Gorrie Jr. High. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1958. She was a contestant in the 1960 Miss Jacksonville pageant. Mary enjoyed line dancing, playing cards, and a night out with her friends, but most of all, she cherished spending time with her family.

Before raising her two children, Mary worked at Barnett Bank. Later, she worked at Sun Bank then at Signature Hair Salon. Mary volunteered at St. Vincent’s Hospital Southside, and was a past-president of the Molaka Club of Jacksonville, amongst many other activities. She loved to keep herself busy.

Mary was predeceased by her parents; her brother, George Ziadeh Farah and his wife Rima; sister-in-law, Aida Farah (Murad); and brothers-in-law, Sam Mousa (Sandy) and Mufeed Farhat (Laila).

Mary is survived by her loving, devoted husband of 64 years, Tom Abboud; her children, Dawn Abboud-Shelley and Scott Abboud (Julie); her pride and joy-her grandchildren, Caroline Abboud Wink (Larry), Andrew Shelley (Hannah), Samantha Shelley, and Steven Abboud; and her siblings Murad Farah (Aida), Laila Farhat (Mufeed), Helen Farah (Kamalin), and Sandy Mousa (Sam).

She was known for her warm hospitality and her love of cooking; no one ever left her home with an empty stomach. Mary will be remembered for her kindness, strength, unwavering faith, and deep love for her family.

Mary’s faith was the foundation of her life. She lived her faith through service, generosity, and steadfast trust in God. Her unwavering belief carried her through life’s joys and challenges. Her faith was evident in the way she loved others, welcomed all, and found comfort in prayer and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lakewood Presbyterian Church, where Mary was a devoted member for over 50 years.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation at Lakewood Presbyterian Church (2001 University Blvd W) on December 29th from 6:00-8:00 PM and the Celebration of Life at 10:00 AM on December 30th at Lakewood Presbyterian Church (2001 University Blvd W).