Aboussie, Mitchell Albert, Sr. This gentle man passed away March 14, 2011. He was the first born of Lebanese immigrants Albert Michael and Kamala Haddad Aboussie, who landed on Ellis Island in 1903 knowing no English, while escaping persecution by the Ottomans. They gave birth to Mitchell on July 7, 1912. Learning to speak fluent Arabic as well as English, he became a father figure to his five siblings. During his early years, the family moved from Duke to Ardmore to Hollis, Oklahoma where he graduated from high school with honors in 1932. He was senior class president and nominated by his class to become member of the International Platform Association, founded by Benjamin Franklin to honor gifted students. He became a scoutmaster, leading such young men as Darrell Royal in his troop. Mitchell attended the University of Oklahoma on a music scholarship, even though he had never had a music lesson. He played clarinet in the marching band. In l934 he married Najla Barkett of Oklahoma City. They moved to Wichita Falls where he opened Babyland, the first children's shop in the southwest specializing in shoes. His legend as a master shoe steward grew until he sold Aboussie's Shoes in 1971. An avid sportsman, he taught many young folks about gun safety, sportsmanship and the basics of fair play in fishing and hunting. He loved his home town where he served as President of the Chamber of Commerce. Mitch was a Master Mason, a member of the York Rite Commandery, serving in the Scottish Rite Consistory and Maskat Temple. He and his family attended Good Shepard Episcopal Church where he served as director of the Sunday School for 20 years. Having a huge appetite for music, he was known to break out in song (Arabic or English) at any moment. He also played a good "stomp" piano. His favorite social grace was dancing, especially with his daughters, nieces and friends. He continued dancing well into his nineties. Mitchell's memory for poetry learned in childhood never left him even into his last years. Mitch was preceded in death by his parents, brother Camal Aboussie, sister Josephine Toma and wife, Najla. He is survived by his son, Dr. Mitchell Aboussie, Jr. of Dallas , two daughters, Ellen Stephens of San Antonio and Annette Aboussie Hackedorn of Dallas, brother Tanal Aboussie, sisters Margie Aboussie and Katy Massad, grandchildren Cameron Stephens and Shelley Maroon and two great grandchildren. A gravesite prayer service will be held at Crestview Memorial Park in Wichita Falls at 1p.m.Saturday, March 19 followed by a meal for all attendees at the home of Dr and Mrs. Kenneth Aboussie, 2310 Farrington.


Published in Dallas Morning News on March 17, 2011