Carmitta Amin Johary

Carmitta Amin Lakkees Johary, 92, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024, surrounded by her devoted children. Born on September 16, 1931, Carmitta led a life rich in love, family, and faith. Her passions were as vibrant as the flowers she lovingly tended in her garden, as warm as the meals she prepared, and as enduring as the country music she adored, especially the songs of Dolly Parton. Above all, she cherished her role as a devoted wife, nurturing mother and loving grandmother; a woman of deep Orthodox Christian faith who found her greatest joy in caring for others. Born in Havana, Cuba, to Lebanese parents, Carmitta’s early years took her back to Lebanon, where she was raised in the village of Baitroumine, Al Koura, amidst the backdrop of World War II. Her deep connection to her Lebanese heritage and The Lord remained a guiding force throughout her life. In the late 1950s, Carmitta met and married the love of her life, Dr. Farah Hanna El-Gawhary, in April 1959. Together, they embarked on a shared journey that would take them across continents. Their first son, Carlos, was born in Lebanon, and in December 1963, the family of three emigrated to the United States, where Farah pursued his master's degree at Indiana University in Bloomington. Carmitta’s resourcefulness and creativity shone as she established her seamstress business, "Fashions by Carmitta," crafting wedding gowns and tailored suits for Indiana University students. Her talent soon caught the attention of the Indiana University Air Force ROTC Angel Flight, who commissioned her to hand-sew 50 custom uniforms. Her exquisite workmanship led to additional requests from universities such as Ball State and Purdue. In the late 1960s, the family moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where Farah earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology at Florida State University. Carmitta continued to sew for the FSU community, earning admiration for her artistry. Despite her humbleness, her talent was recognized, and she was even invited to a formal event with Bob Hope as the honored guest, though she was unable to attend. The Johary family later settled in Lake Butler, Florida, where Farah began a career at the Lake Butler Reception and Medical Center, and later at Union County Correctional Institute and Florida State Prison in Starke. It was here that their youngest son, Edwin, was born. Carmitta’s life was centered around her family. As the heart of the Johary household, she cooked three meals a day, saw her children off to school, volunteered at their local schools, and taught her children everything from swimming and driving to gardening and life’s important lessons. Her unwavering love and devotion were the foundation of her family’s strength and unity. Carmitta was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Amin Jabbour Lakkees and Mariana Monsour Issa, her cherished husband, Dr. Farah H. Johary, her brothers Albert, Adeeb, Karim, Housam, and her sister Samira. She is survived by her brother Samir (Robin) of California, her four children: Carlos (Sonia), Albert (Marielle), Clara, and Edwin (Mira); and her six grandchildren: Albert Jr., Carlos Jr., Celine, Michael Alexander, Christine, and Jason. Carmitta also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as extended family, including a brother-in-law and several sisters-in-law residing in California. Carmitta’s legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith will forever be remembered by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Funeral services will be held on September 7, 2024 at 10 AM at Saint Elizabeth Greek Orthodox Church located at: 5129 NW. 53rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32653 Burial will follow at Forest Meadows Cemetery Central located at: 4100 NW. 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32606. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital using the link below and pressing on "Can't attend? Make a donation " at http://www.stjude.org/magiccarpetride. This will take you to the donation page. Be sure to check "dedicate your gift in honor or memory" and type "Carmitta Johary" in the boxes provided.

Carmitta Amin Johary

September 16, 1931 - August 27, 2024