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Waddad Evelyn Habeeb Buttross

Waddad Evelyn Habeeb Buttross, age 87, died Thursday, July 31, 2008, after courageously facing a short and final illness. She conquered this challenge peacefully in her sleep.

Waddad was born May 28, 1921, the youngest of seven children, to parents Alexander and Loretta Deeb Habeeb, months after her family emigrated from Lebanon. She was always remembered as “the apple of Papa’s eye” and was her mother’s constant companion in the kitchen, mastering traditions of Lebanese cuisine. She was lovingly and playfully referred to by her six older siblings as “Baby.” Waddad was a graduate of Vicksburg High School and studied for two years at All Saints College in Vicksburg. On April 27, 1941, she wed Peter Buttross, her husband of 67 years. The two lived in Canton for the first few years of their marriage but, in 1946, moved to Natchez to raise their family and build a business.

The couple opened Cradle through College in 1950, later renamed Peter’s Children’s Boutique, and worked side by side until their retirement in 1991. Waddad was the heart and soul of the family’s business. She clothed generations of children and guided young families and grandparents through the joys of clothing and nurturing their children and grandchildren. Her children learned, from her example, the art of service, patience and kindness.

Waddad’s greatest and most complete devotion was to her husband and children, whom she nurtured and gave strength and comfort to until she took her last breath. She was also devoted to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters and her extended family of in-laws, nephews and nieces on both sides of her family.

She bestowed upon her family and friends an example of unparalleled generosity and love. Nothing mattered to her more than making her children happy, which she succeeded at even until the end.

Probably the most lasting material gift to her family and thousands of others was her published cookbook, “Waddad’s Kitchen: Lebanese Zest, Southern Best.” This cookbook started out as a compilation of family recipes to share with her children, but ended up as a treasure of wonderful Lebanese and Southern recipes that now are spread throughout the United States and at least four continents. Her book is an often tattered, but frequent, reference on the cookbook shelves of family, friends and even strangers. It was not uncommon for total strangers to call or write to thank her for her recipes or to share an anecdote about using her cookbook.

Waddad was known among family and friends as the most gracious and warm hostess, entertaining and sharing her talents and generous hospitality for as long as she was able. Even in her waning days, from her hospital bed, she would apologize for not being able to get up and she would muster up the strength to pass on one of her familiar sweet waves as family and friends would tell her goodbye. Waddad was a member-emeritus of the Natchez Garden Club, a member of the Natchez Historical Society and the Natchez Newcomers Club.

Waddad was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander and Loretta Deeb Habeeb; five brothers, William and his wife, Rose, Philip and his wife, Shirley, Edward, Touphie and Shouphie; a sister, Maggie Habeeb Abraham and her husband, Haseeb; a daughter, Catherine Louise; and a grandson, Matthew Ryan Buttross.

Waddad is survived by her loving husband, Pete; her children, Patricia Ann Kenner, Peter Jr., Marilyn Alexis Emfinger, Janice Marie Walker and her husband, Glenn, Margaret Waddad Buttross Brinegar, and Jayne Louise Buttross; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; her brother, Dr. Alfred Habeeb and his wife, Carmen; sisters-in-law Mable Habeeb and Norma Habeeb; and scores of nephews, nieces and friends of all generations.

Visitation will be from 10:30 until noon Monday at St. Mary Basilica with the Revs. David O’Connor and Al Camp officiating. A funeral Mass will begin at noon.

Memorials be made to The Children’s Center, Fund No. 346, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive, #5092, Hattiesburg, MS 39406; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent at www.lairdfh.com.

Laird Funeral Home of Natchez has charge of arrangements.

Ava Claire MurryEmily Elise Murry

Ava Claire Murry died Thursday, July 24, 2008, and Emily Elise Murry died Saturday, July 26, 2008, at Woman’s Hospital in Jackson. They are the infant daughters of Dr. Paul D. and Carolyn A. Murry of Vicksburg.

In addition to their parents, the babies are survived by a sister, Megan Heard of Vicksburg; and grandparents, Juliane Harmon and Jacqueline and Glen E. Murry.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Glenwood Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Geoffrey Joyner officiating. Burial will follow at Green Acres Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 2 until 4 today at the funeral home.