Salim Ibrahim Zabana
3/21/1932 - 1/23/2026

Salim Ibrahim Zabana
October 21, 1929 â€"January 23, 2026

Salim Ibrahim Zabana, age 96, was born in Ramleh, Palestine, on October 21, 1929, and passed away peacefully in Lake Jackson, Texas, on January 23, 2026.

Salim is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Hayah Zabana; his daughters Jay Peery (Kirby), Maha Dorris, and Samantha Burridge (Jay); and his cherished grandchildren, Jessica Dorris, Branden Dorris (Amy), Meagan Holland (Jennifer), Kevin Peery, Keith Peery, Janel Wohleber (Drew), Claire Kibodeaux, Trey Kibodeaux, Morgan Webb (Curtis), and Tyler Burridge. He was a proud great-grandfather to Spencer, Quinn, Rylie, Liv, Camille, Corynne, Alden, and Theodore. He is also survived by his brother, and sister-in-law, Bisher Atallah (Areej); along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins around the world.

Salim was preceded in death by his parents, Ibrahim and Augusta Zabaneh; and his sister, and brother-in-law, Futeen and Badie Salem.

Salim was affectionately known as Seedo (Arabic for grandfather), and SI to his friends. Close friends of his children and grandchildren also knew him as Seedo, as he welcomed them as family. He was an extremely intelligent, disciplined, and hardworking man.

He graduated from the American University of Cairo with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Science and Mathematics. Following graduation, he taught mathematics at three different schools. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Hayah, who was also a math teacher. They married in 1956, beginning a love story that would span nearly seven decades. In 1957, Salim and Hayah moved to the United States with their twenty day old daughter, settling in Alabama. Determined to provide for his family, Salim continued his education after receiving a scholarship to study engineering at The University of Alabama. After graduating, he began working in Selma, Alabama, as their family grew to three daughters.

Salim later moved his family to Texas, where he accepted a position at Dow Chemical. Through his dedication and leadership, he quickly advanced to Superintendent of the Magnesium Cells. After seven years at Dow, Salim took a leap of faith and became the owner/operator of several Pennington Fried Chicken restaurants. His strong work ethic led to great success, allowing him to retire early and enjoy time with family and friends.

In retirement, Salim loved to travel, especially cruising around the world, and he enjoyed playing poker, often visiting Louisiana whenever he had the chance.

Salim was not only a devoted husband and father, but also a loving son. He cared for his parents, who lived with him for 26 years, a responsibility he embraced with love and honor. He deeply loved his daughters and grandchildren, and continued to guide them with wisdom and encouragement well into their adult lives.

Above all, Salim loved his Lord. His faith was central to his life, and he was a devoted member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Freeport, Texas. He ensured his family attended church and Sunday school and faithfully taught adult Sunday school classes. Salim had a remarkable knowledge of the life and travels of Jesus and found great joy in sharing that knowledge with others.

Salim encouraged his children and grandchildren to recognize their blessings, dream boldly, and strive for meaningful lives. He offered sound advice to anyone who sought it. His gentle kindness, wisdom, and generosity touched countless lives, and he will be deeply missed by his extended family and all who knew him.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Choice Hospice, including Ashley Nisbitt, Sarah Sanabria, and Brenda Johnson, for their exceptional care, professionalism, and kindness. Special thanks are also extended to Enri Nixon of Help Inc. for her continued support and care for the entire family.

A memorial service will be held on January 31, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1307 W. 5th Street, Freeport, Texas. Lunch will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Salim's memory to St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

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