Tyler, Texas – Sonia Mary Yazbeck Murad, a long-standing and cherished member of the Tyler community, passed away on November 9, 2025, at the age of 97. Mrs. Murad, known for her extensive community involvement and vibrant spirit, leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication.
Born on March 20, 1928, in Galveston, Texas, to George and Mary Touma Yazbeck, Sonia was the youngest of three children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, George Jr. and John Edward Yazbeck.
Sonia married Dr. Fuad Elias Murad on July 18, 1954, and together they built a life in Tyler. Dr. Murad passed away on February 26, 2017. She is survived by their three children: Sonia "Soni" Murad of Los Angeles; Dr. Fuad "Fred" Murad, Jr. of Tyler; and Dr. George Murad, also of Tyler. Mrs. Murad also leaves four grandchildren: Elias, Sarah, John, and Peter Murad, all residing in Dallas.
A bright academic, Mrs. Murad earned her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin in 1949. Her early career included working in a laboratory at the UT Medical Branch in Galveston. Upon settling in Tyler, she quickly became an active and influential figure in numerous local organizations. She was a dedicated member of the Motherhood Study Club for over 60 years, the Tyler Garden Club, and the Tyler Woman’s Building. For more than three decades, she volunteered her time at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital. Her faith was also a cornerstone of her life, and she was a very active parishioner at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Beyond her community work, Sonia had a passion for travel, exploring Europe, the Holy Land, South America, and the Orient. She also found joy in playing bridge, cooking, baking, entertaining guests, and tending to her garden.
Visitation for Mrs. Murad will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, beginning at 5:30 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, located at 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, TX. The Rosary will follow at 6:30 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, located at 423 N. Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (https://www.thecathedral.info), PATH (People Attempting to Help) (https://www.pathhelps.org), or Tyler Junior College (https://www.tjc.edu).
