Suad (Khoury) Bayouth

A wonderful woman has passed away, Suad (Khoury) Bayouth. Suad passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026 at her residence in Skiatook.

SUAD (KHOURY) BAYOUTH, 95, of Skiatook, Oklahoma passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born “Suad Khoury” on August 10, 1931 at her childhood home in Jdeidet Marjeyoun, Lebanon. Her parents were Nellie (Andeel) and Jacob Khoury. She was named for her paternal grandmother “Saida” which means “happiness.” Her parents later modernized her name to “Suad.” She was the eldest of five girls and three boys: Eid Khoury, Labib Khoury, Nadira Khoury Andeel, Nouhad Khoury Eid, Chouaa Khoury Askar, Robert Khoury, and Haifa Khoury Aouad.

Despite the family’s Orthodox faith, she spent the early years of her education, through the fourth grade, at a Protestant church where they taught the English language. Upon beginning the fifth grade, she attended a private school called Marjeyoun National College where she became proficient in English, French, and Arabic before graduating in 1951. She went on to earn her teaching degree from Sida University, a branch of the American University of Beirut. Suad went on to teach both English and Math to third and fourth grade students in her hometown.

In 1964, Suad made her first trip to the United States to visit her aunt Bader in Detroit, Michigan, intending to stay only a month. While there, she traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma to visit her mother’s sister Najla Farhood and her mother’s first cousin Salwa Bayouth. Among the 50 people who greeted her at the Tulsa airport was A.B. “Bus” Bayouth, Sr. who would later become her husband.

Suad and Bus married on November 6, 1964 at St. Antony’s Orthodox Christian Church in Tulsa. They eventually made their home in Skiatook, Oklahoma. Suad worked with Bus at Bayouth’s Department Store, which remained in operation for more than 70 years. Sadness from a miscarriage of their first baby was soon followed by joy at the birth of their first son, A.B. Bayouth Jr., their second, Gary Omar Bayouth, and their third, Gregory Mark Bayouth. Suad’s three sons were the greatest joy and pride of her life.

Suad and Bus leave a legacy of having been prominent contributors and benefactors to Skiatook, Tulsa, and much of the rest of the state of Oklahoma. They received numerous awards and commendations for their many civic contributions throughout the years and stayed involved with The Exchange Bank for over 60 years, with Suad serving on its board of directors for 25 years. Her heart and home were always open, day or night, to anyone. She loved a good card game and was a devoted fan of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane and an avid supporter of Skiatook Public Schools. She rarely missed a home game and could often be seen with her OU friends in tow when TU and the Sooners faced off. Suad was always a faithful supporter of St. Antony’s. For many years, she was part of the backbone and success of the church’s annual Lebanese “Hafli” Festival. Suad was responsible for training generations of volunteers in the art of preparing traditional Lebanese cuisine.

Following the passing of Bus in 2010, Suad remained focused on her sons, grandchildren, community involvement, church, extended family, and many, many friends. In 2024, Suad wrote and published a treasured book, “My Family – A Memoir of Suad Bayouth” detailing her amazing life story.

In addition to her parents and husband, Suad is preceded in death by her brother Eid, sister Nadira, and brother Robert. She is survived by her sons A.B. Bayouth Jr., of Skiatook, Omar Bayouth of Skiatook, Greg Bayouth and wife Nikki of Broken Arrow; her grandchildren Ember Bayouth, Alynna Bayouth, Eason Bayouth, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

As difficult as it is to say goodbye, she had a very full and giving life. Her influence will always remain a part of us. We were so blessed to have known and loved her. May her memory be eternal.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service of Trisagion Prayers of Mercy for the Departed at 6:45 p.m. at St. Antony’s Orthodox Christian Church at 2645 E. 6th St. Tulsa, OK 74014. Visitation and Trisagion Prayers of Mercy for the Departed will be held at 9:00 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2026 at First Baptist Church (West Rogers Campus) at 825 W. Rogers Blvd. Skiatook, OK 74040. Funeral will follow at 10:00 a.m. concluding with an Internment service at Ridgelawn Cemetery 14476 N. 104tth E. Ave. Collinsville, OK 74021. Following the interment, a “Meal of Mercy” will then be held at First Baptist Church in Skiatook to celebrate Suad’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Suad’s memory to St. Antony’s Orthodox Christian Church, 2645 E. 6th St. Tulsa, OK 74104.