Frances Koury passes away at 94

Frances Koury passed away this week at the age of 94.

She was a grand lady. Some of my favorite childhood memories were our visit to Koury’s Children’s Store that she operated with her husband Ellis on Washington Street. Mr. Koury was considered the unofficial Mayor of Washington Street. Only in adulthood did I figure out that Ms. Frances really ran the show.

Frances Koury spearheaded the effort for Vicksburg to have a 4th of July celebration downtown. She coordinated Vicksburg’s 175 Birthday Celebration. She helped bring the Memorial Day Celebration to the Vicksburg National Military Park. Her love for music and the arts brought countless concerts and events to our area.

All who had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Frances will miss her, and Vicksburg will definitely miss her leadership.

Rest in peace.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at First Baptist Church of Vicksburg with the Reverend Dr. Matt Buckles, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Ave., and Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service.

Memorials may be made to one of the following: the Chamber of Commerce Community Fund with a notation to Four Seasons of the Arts, 2020 Mission 66, Vicksburg, MS 39180; Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park, P.O. Box 821286, Vicksburg, MS 39182; or First Baptist Church of Vicksburg, 1607 Cherry St., Vicksburg, MS 39180.

See Ms. Khoury’s obituary.