Selma Obi was a deeply religious person. When she could not attend Mass she would view it on her IPAD. She spent a great deal of time at her church and participated in many church activities. Especially with the church women baking of various Arabic cookies for fundraisers during the holidays. The last couple of years she could only assist others with recipes and baking instructions. Selma was born in Mosul on July 15th, 1927, where she attended school.
Selma immigrated to the United States in 1947 on Halloween with her husband. Shortly after arriving she gave birth to the first of her four children. Selma operated grocery stores with her husband and son for 27 years. She then worked in retail clothing for 10 years before retiring. She enjoyed working with the women in her clothing department. The things she loved in life were her family, friends, cooking, traveling, and teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren Arabic recipes.
Selma is survived by her sister Yvette Labow Najjar and her brother Jawdat Labow; children, Joyce Obi of Jacksonville, FL, Joe Obi (Lisa) of Jacksonville, FL, Jack Obi (Diane) of St. Johns, FL, Jim Obi (Robin) of Charleston, SC. Forever cherished and remembered by her seven grandchildren, Jacquie (Mike), Amanda, Jake (Jen), JJ, Joseph (Hannah), Michelle, Rachel (AJ), six great-grandchildren, Nathan, Jack, Jesse, Dylan, Pete, and Braylyn. Her nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We want to thank her caregivers in her last few years. Selma is preceded in death by her husband Wadie Yacoub Obi.
The family will receive visitors beginning at 1:00PM at St. Ephrem Syriac Catholic Church. The rosary will be at 1:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00PM.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to St Ephrem Syriac Catholic Church 4650 Kernan Blvd South 32224, or Hospice of Jacksonville 7406 Fullerton Street Jacksonville, FL 32256.
