A Mass of Christian Burial and Memorial Service for Mrs. Peggy Jean Irby Koury will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 16, 2026, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Alexandria, with Father Rusty Rabalias officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
Mrs. Koury, 85, of Alexandria, entered eternal rest on Friday, November 6, 2026, at her home in Alexandria.
Mrs. Koury was a woman of great strength and compassion. She was the Matriarch of the family, always willing to serve others. She enjoyed gardening, painting, and cooking for the family, including everyone’s favorite dishes. She had a great sense of humor and was a loyal friend. She was always available for whoever needed her, 24/7. She was also an avid fan of both LSU Football and LSU Women’s Basketball.
Peggy was a devoted wife for 58 ½ years. She and her husband, Richard, were seldom seen without each other. Peggy loved fiercely and often ended her conversations with, “I Love You More!” Loyalty to her family and friends was her greatest attribute. She was a faithful servant to God and converted to Catholicism when the family didn’t even know until she had completed the conversion during her midlife years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard P. Koury, Sr.; one son, Wendell G. Koury; one daughter, Darlene G. Koury; her parents, Ancel G. and Maurece Taylor Irby; one brother, Ancel C. Irby; and one sister, Lottie I. Stinson.
Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memories include one sister, Alice Dezendorf of Alexandria; one son, R. Phillip Koury, Jr. and his wife, Laura Koury, of Alexandria; one son-in-law, Kenneth “Woody” Gremillion of Plaucheville; six grandchildren, Daniel Koury and fiancé, Elizabeth Olah, of Baton Rouge, Matthew Koury of Colfax, Jack Miller and wife, Elena, of Metairie, Morgan Miller of Orlando, Florida, Jensen Gremillion of Baton Rouge, and Landon Gremillion of Plaucheville; one great-granddaughter, Yvette; and soon to be great-grandson, Gabriel. Also, let us not forget her beloved dog, Reece.
The family would also acknowledge her long-time best friend, Bertha Vallery. Bertha has always been there for Peggy and her family in times of need. The family also thanks her most special and cherished friends, Barbara Gray, Felicia LaCour, and Mary Bordeaux, who have provided devoted, loving support, care, and friendship.
A time of visitation will be held at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church on Monday, November 16, 2026, from 12:00 noon until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Dementia Society of America.