In Loving Memory…
Widad El Sheikh Mousa
September 2, 1931 – February 4, 2021
Revelation 21:4

Widad was born on September 2, 1931, to Khalil Yousef El Sheikh and Victoria Youcob Ibrahim Totah El Sheikh in Joppa, Palestine (Middle East).  She fell asleep in death on February 4, 2021, at the age of 89. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Naoum Isaac Mousa, and her sisters: Bahia, Yasmine, Nabeeha, Rose, and Viola. She is survived by her children: Rita Mousa, Jack Mousa and his wife Barbie; Chayn Mousa, and Elizabeth Mousa.

Her childhood was spent in Ramallah during the hot summer months and Jericho in the winters. She and her sisters were very skilled seamstresses, starting at the young age of 9, sewing for the public. She adored and admired her parents greatly. Her father was a business man who was the first to import 12 cars from America to the Ramallah area, for a chauffeuring business. He catered to the British, who ruled Palestine at that time. He later sold the business and moved the family to Jericho, where he became an orchard farmer. Mom was proud to say, "I was father's number one assistant with the fruit trees." Growing up, Widad was quite the mischievous youngster. She was known as the ring leader or the "boss" of her fellow schoolmates, always having the final say. Not having any brothers, Widad and her sisters were known as hard workers with a tenacious work ethic.

On November 26, 1950, Widad married Naoum Isaac Mousa. They had 4 children who were born in Ramallah, Palestine and Doha, Qatar. In 1960, the family migrated to the United States, via the USS Constitution. As soon as Widad could see "The Lady" (Statue of Liberty), her excitement grew. The family was driven to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and stayed there for a few short weeks. Soon thereafter, they boarded a train to Corpus Christi, Texas where the family spent two years. One year was spent in Lubbock before moving to Brownfield for 17 years. After the death of her husband in 1981, Widad lived for two years in Toronto, Canada before finally settling in Houston, where she lived from 1984 until her passing.

Mom was one-of-a-kind and will be a hard act to follow. She was incredibly industrious, and she always did the very best for her family. While living in Brownfield, she ran a department store for many years and developed lasting friendships with customers and the community. She would wake up early in the morning tending to her chores, finish the day's cooking, see us off to school, and then put in a full day of work at the store. We can remember how family, friends, and even strangers affectionately referred to our home as "Mamma Mousa's House." It was like going to their favorite restaurant. This reputation and hospitality followed her when moving to Houston, Texas. Everyone soon found out about her delicious meals and hospitality; daily she would receive guests. But those visits went beyond sharing food. Mom had the art of teaching others. She would take the time to show them how to benefit themselves in practical ways; from cooking and cleaning, how to raise children, how to fix things, and soup for the sick. She would also share stories about the old country and how to apply Bible principles into daily life. Mom would always tell others, "Jehovah says, I will not leave you or forsake you."

Mom had a beautiful spiritual heritage. While growing up, her parents were avid Bible readers and had daily Bible discussions with the girls. One day her father was given a book entitled, " Let God Be True " and after reading it all night he stated, "Victoria, I have found the truth!" Mom was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in April 1953, in the Jordan River. The fond memories of her parents' faith in Jehovah stayed with Mom all her life. For as long as she could speak, she would tell everyone she met about the promises Jehovah has made for mankind.

Widad knew no strangers. Neighbors, doctors, nurses, hotel staff; friends and workers at the house, would benefit from Mom's expressions of faith. Her love for Jehovah and her valuable life experiences were her gifts to others. Her field ministry experiences and the many she helped learn Bible truths are a beautiful legacy. Her generous spirit and treating all as equals are qualities worthy of our imitation.

We will miss our Yama dearly...

The family would like to thank each and every one of you for your love and support, not only during her life and time of illness, but also now as we bereave.