Dr. Amira Deif Ayoub

Dr. Amira Deif Ayoub

February 21, 1943 ~ August 18, 2015

Raleigh

Amira Deif Ayoub went to be with God August 18, 2015. She was born in Cairo, Egypt in 1943. At the age of 24, Amira married Professor Mahmoud Ayoub, her husband of 48 years. Amira's first home in America was in Lubbock, Texas. From there she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina where her husband served as professor at NCSU.

Amira demonstrated a love of learning and felt very much at home in academia. She graduated from Cairo University in Egypt with B.A. degree in Political Science. She earned her Masters in Public Administration from Texas Tech University.  She then went on to earn her M.S. in Product Design from NCSU where she channeled her bent for creativity. Ultimately, she earned her Ed.D in Training and Development from NCSU.

Amira valued education so much she wanted to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to learn. She taught Public Administration at the Women's Correctional Institute through Shaw University. Her students noted her sensitivity, empathy, and compassion.

Much of Amira's creativity was practiced through art. She loved creating. She had her own LLC business, "Amira's Designs." She had the imagination to put together disparate parts for creating practical items. She would magically create beauty from scraps. With her heart and soul, she could see potential where it wasn't obvious to the rest of us. She eventually had her own potter's studio at home and sold her creations. Further, she often created noteworthy, original paintings, which could be found in galleries.

Ultimately, Amira felt her greatest accomplishment was the family she shared with her husband. She was a devoted wife and mother. She turned her house into a home with her spirit, love, and creativity. Her home felt like a warm hug and refuge after a long, difficult day.

Amira passed away in Cairo, Egypt. She spent the last year of her life as a fighter. She was a trailblazer in her own right. She stood up for her rights and the rights of her children. She would never back down as she paved an easier path for her children.

Amira was preceded in death by her father Dr. Ahmed Deif, her mother Dr. Hakmet Hakim and brother Ahmed Deif. Survivors include her husband Mahmoud A. Ayoub, her daughter Shahinaz M. Ayoub and husband Chris Burmeister as well as her son Nader M. Ayoub. She is also survived by many extended family members and friends in both America and Egypt.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you donate in her memory to the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County.