Maha Mountaha Darzi Habeeb passed away on April 30, 2026, at the age of 87 after battling strokes and heart conditions. Maha was born on February 15, 1939, in Amyoun, Lebanon, in the District of El Koura located in a Christian community in the hills north of Beirut, where early disciples of Christ spread the Gospel. A woman of faithful prayer, she was a member of St. George Orthodox Church where she performed charitable work with the Women of St. George, including the annual Lebanese Dinner. She was a past president of the Cedars Ladies Club of Vicksburg, which celebrated her Lebanese heritage, and lived in Vicksburg for 61 years, from 1965 until her recent passing.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, George E. Habeeb, a Vicksburg native, World War II Purple Heart Veteran of the U.S. Army, and longtime postman. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Abdallah and Ameeni Darzi, brothers Dr. Kareem Darzi and Elias Darzi and a sister Fouz Darzi Badawi.

Maha was raised in the beautiful climate of the hills and mountains north of Beirut, where her home was situated on farmland which included sheep, olive trees, and almond trees. She often told the story of studying about the Mississippi River in grade school in Lebanon, only to ultimately move to Mississippi. After completing her education, she taught school for a short time in the old country, before visiting her brother and uncles in America. While visiting, she met her husband, George Habeeb, in 1964, married him in 1965, and became a proud citizen of the United States. They raised four boys, teaching them the Christian faith, the value of hard work, appreciation for America, and the pursuit of a strong education.

Maha was the ultimate homemaker. She was a full-time mother to four boys. She loved to share the art of homemade Lebanese food, as well as her recipes of American food, with everyone. She found time to sew and complete numerous needlepoint projects which adorn her home. She enjoyed gardening of flowers and herbs, maintaining a mint garden and grapevines which she used in her cuisine. She dedicated her life to caring for her husband and boys, reflective of Proverbs 31, quoted, in part here: “A wife of noble character, who can find? Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value….She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks….She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night….She extends her hand to the needy….When it snows, she has no fear for her household….She does not eat the bread of idleness….Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also….Charm is deceit and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Her family and friends will miss her gentleness, kindness, her joyful spirit, compassion, love for children, loving smile, and welcoming spirit. She was a true servant. She was very gifted in arranging flowers at her church during Holy Week. She helped her neighbors, served her church, loved and served her family, and loved God. She is what being a Christian is all about. She is what Vicksburg is all about. Her life is an example of two quotes from Mother Teresa: "Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. " And, "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love." The lives of Maha and her husband George demonstrated that it is the simple things in life that are the most meaningful and bring us the most joy. Vicksburg will never be the same without Maha and George. Two bright lights. Two beautiful souls.

She is survived by her sons, Dr. George E. Habeeb, Jr., Albert M. Habeeb, Samuel D. Habeeb (and wife Anne), and Dr. Danel M. Habeeb (and wife Dr. Amanda), and her grandchildren, Luke Habeeb and Katherine Habeeb, whom she adored immensely. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

The family expresses their deep appreciation to the many medical professionals, caregivers, and friends, who were there for Maha over the course the last two years.

Funeral arrangements are scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Vicksburg, Father Gabriel Karam officiating. Visitation will begin at 10  AM followed by Trisagion Prayers and the Funeral Service which will begin at 11 AM also at the Church. The burial service will follow at Vicksburg's Cedar Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Fisher-Riles Funeral Home.