Life Sketch: Mrs. Josephine Khoury

Born on March 8, 1941, in Afesdik Al-Koura, Lebanon, Josephine Mansour was the daughter of Girgi Mansour and Matilda Najjar, and the fifth of six siblings — Salameh, Michael, Mary, Joseph,and Linda. From her earliest years, she embodied faith, diligence, and compassion — virtues that would define her lifelong vocation as an educator.

She completed her studies at Zahrat Al-Adab Institution (Beshmezzine High School) and the Nader Educational Institution in Deddeh El-Koura, before earning her Freshman Certificate from Middle East College. Her teaching journey began at a school in Dik El Mehdi, directed by Mr. Hassan Sbayti, and continued at the Good Shepherd School in Achrafieh.

In 1964, she joined the Adventist School in Aramoun, where she met her future husband, Mr. Najm Khoury, a fellow teacher who shared her passion for education and service. They were married on April 10, 1966, and together built a home grounded in faith, love, and learning. Their marriage was blessed with four children — Farid, Fouad, Rana, and Roy — who grew up witnessing their mother’s unwavering dedication both at home and in the classroom.

After Aramoun, Mrs. Khoury moved to the Adventist School in Bourj Hammoud in 1971, and finally to the Adventist School in Bouchrieh in 1973, where she served faithfully until her retirement in 2007. Over her 40 years of service, she taught Arabic and Mathematics, later becoming Head of the Secondary Section, mentoring generations of students and educators.

Respected for her discipline, fairness, and radiant compassion, Mrs. Khoury combined firmness with tenderness — a rare balance that earned her the admiration of colleagues, parents, and students alike. She was known for her integrity, her sharp sense of justice, and her nurturing spirit that shaped both minds and hearts.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Mrs. Khoury faced life’s trials — including illness — with courage, grace, and serenity. She lived her faith daily, reflecting the words of Scripture: “A virtuous woman, who can find? For her worth is far above rubies.”

Mrs. Khoury passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, in Sabtiyeh, Lebanon. Her legacy extends beyond the classroom to the life of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lebanon, where she served with steadfast devotion in various capacities — as Community Services leader, Deaconess, and Women’s Ministries leader. Through her kindness, generosity, and deep faith, she touched countless lives and embodied the spirit of Christian service she so often taught. Her memory remains an enduring light in the history of Bouchrieh Adventist Secondary School and the Adventist Church in Lebanon — a testament to a woman whose faith, love, and dedication continue to inspire generations to serve God and others with integrity and compassion.