OBITUARY

Marian Jue

22 September, 1938 – 18 February, 2021

Marian Wong Jue was a young girl in Hong Kong in the early 1950’s when she began the long journey of coming to the United States and pursing the American Dream. That journey ended on February 18, 2021 but not before and, against the odds, she became, not only the matriarch of the Jue families but, also, a larger-than-life icon in the Houston restaurant business.

David Jue met and fell in love with Marian in Hong Kong in 1954. They married and moved to Shreveport, Louisiana and in 1962, Marian and David opened a small restaurant in Bossier City, called the Hong Kong Restaurant and the Beachcomber Night Club in Shreveport.

In 1968, the Jues moved to Houston and started a Chinese Food product store. David, who had studied to be a chef in Hong Kong, decided to transform the product store into the China Garden restaurant at 1119 Jackson. About ten years later, China Garden had to relocate to its present location because of the building of the George R. Brown convention center. Through Marian’s business acumen and tremendous work ethic, China Garden became the place to go for a delicious Chinese food business lunch. In 1997, Houston Mayor Bob Lanier appointed Marian as a director to the Houston Sports Authority Board and she literally helped to break ground for what would be Enron Field. Starting in 2003 and continuing to this day, crowds come to enjoy the wonderful cuisine before and after Toyota Center events as well as other downtown entertainment.

Marian believed that “God gave us two hands and two feet, it’s what you do with those that makes you what you are.” Her success in life is a testament to her hard work but Marian was definitely not an “all work, no play” kind of woman. She also loved to laugh and loved to live. She loved to make people happy and became “Mama” to all her friends and customers. Those who were fortunate enough to know Mama knew that her “joie de vivre” radiated into everything and no one will ever duplicate her zest for life. Mama was preceded in death by her loving husband, David; and her son, Wilbert. She is survived by her sons, Richard Jue and his wife Nancy, Cameron Joe, and her daughter, Carol Churchill and her husband Ronald W. III; as well as seven grandchildren, several sisters, a brother, many nieces and nephews and restaurant patrons who will miss her dearly.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 25th of February, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The funeral service is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 26th of February, also in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, where Pastor Coleman Chong will serve as officiant. Virtual attendance may be accessed by visiting her online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com and selecting the “Join Livestream” icon in her Funeral Service information below. There, you may also share memories and words of comfort and condolence electronically with her family.

Interment will follow, via escorted cortege, at Glenwood Cemetery, 2525 Washington Avenue in Houston, following a procession from Geo. H. Lewis & Sons with a pass-by of the China Garden Restaurant.

Honored to serve as pallbearers during the services are Ben Berg, Paul Carr, Eric Ferguson, David Joe, Lou Savarese, and Joel Sprott. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Stan Lee, Tommy Joe, Ken Taylor, Hubert Mayer and Sing Wong.

KINDLY NOTE: in accordance with current state health and safety protocols, and for the safety of all our guests, facemasks and the practice of social distancing are required for attendance at all events.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in her name be directed to the charity of one’s choice.

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  • Visitation

    Thursday, 25 February , 2021

  • Visitation with the Family

    Thursday, 25 February , 2021

  • Funeral Service

    Friday, 26 February , 2021

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  • Funeral Service

    Friday, 26 February , 2021

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Marian Jue

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Phyllis Ogden

25 March 2021

Marian was a lovely lady, and was friendly and loving to everyone.
She smiled and spoke to everyone, and always had a beautiful smile.
She was also fun. Everyone that walks in to the China Garden receives a warm welcome. She will be missed by her family and all her friends. God Bless all her children. Love, Phyllis Ogden

Kathy Lord

4 March 2021

Dear Carol & members of Mama Jeu’s family,
Tom and I have such fond memories of you and China Garden 🍽 the many Chinese New Year celebrations we enjoyed with friends for many years!
Your beautiful wedding reception was unforgettable & flattered to be included in your special occasion.
We look forward to coming to dine at China Garden once again!
Fondly,
Kathy & Tom

JO KING

3 March 2021

China Garden was my late husband Fred King's favorite place for lunch downtown. He proudly introduced me to Marian not long after we were married in 2007, and she welcomed me warmly like an old friend. Because of his newspaper and city government work, Fred had gathered there for lunch at China Garden with friends and co-workers for many years. He loved the wonderful cuisine, excellent service and the exciting atmosphere where so much Houston news and business was discussed. Every time Fred took me there, Marian welcomed us and I was always impressed with her. She radiated a strength of character, friendship and joy in life that was a privilege to experience. I am glad to have met her.
My prayers are with her family.

Bea Rouse

28 February 2021

My thoughts are with Mrs. Jue's family and friends. She was an amazing business woman, always happy and smiling through the decades when we have visited the China Garden Restaurant.

Elizabeth Jagger

28 February 2021

What an honor, it was to have known this lovely, kind hearted, Houston Icon! Mommy China Garden as I called her.
Don't think there was ever a time we've walked in the restaurant and mommy (as Carol called her) wasn't working! she always knew exactly what you wanted to drink! Always a smile!
and always made Irma Galvan's MaiTai just right!! Always had time to chitchat a bit, just a lovely person.My deepest condolences to Carol, Cameron, Mindy and all family members.
Continual Prayers 🙏
Elizabeth (Libby) Jagger

Chet Miller

28 February 2021

I've known Marian and her family for most of my life. Been going to her restaurant since I was a kid. Not sure what I looked forward to more when going to the China Garden, the food or her back rubs. She will certainly be missed. Loved that lady.

James Reilly

28 February 2021

Carol, Richard, and Family.

Your mother was great! She always was so kind to me, my family, and my friends. Your mother made everyone feel welcome like we were walking into her home.

I did not like lemon but your Mama's lemon chicken changed my taste buds.

Marty and I never made it to a Rockets game on time because we had so much fun talking to Mama.

So sorry for your loss,
Jim Reilly


Donna & Ron Davis

28 February 2021

We regret we weren't able to attend the visitation to express our condolences to Carole and all the family in person. Our first visit to China Garden was before the move to the current location. We have missed very few Christmas Eves since then and have wonderful memories of many other family celebrations there. Marian will certainly be missed.

Al Kuhlman

27 February 2021

To have been fortunate to have had a fantastic 55 year friend ship with a wonderful, caring,loving person Marian comes very few times in your lifetime. I will cherish them forever.

Maureen Haugh

26 February 2021

Carol, Richard and the Jue family,

I live in Ohio now but whenever I visit my family (Toy’s) in Houston, China Garden, is one of my husband’s and my must “go-to” places. We have many memories from when we lived in Houston and when we visit now.

I am thankful I was able to view your mom’s memorial service. Many sentiments shared are memories our family will remember too! Your mom will be missed but I will see her someday in heaven.

Our condolences,
Maureen & Frank

From the Family

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