Irene Beng-Ai Lau

A faithful servant of God, Irene dedicated her life to her family, the church, and music. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a grand-aunt, and so much more. She taught and inspired hundreds of young people to play the piano and violin for more than thirty years. She also taught at Arlington Baptist College over several years, helping people in their missions to enter the church ministry.

Irene served her church, Dallas Chinese Bible Church, for nearly 48 years as the Choir Director and Minister of Music and played the piano and organ for worship services and special events. She left an indelible impact on those who made their home at the church through her music as well as her warmth and selflessness.

Irene graduated from the Philippine Women’s University with a degree in Music. She continued her education at Northwestern University in Illinois and received her Master’s degree in Organ and Church Music. The true depth and breadth of her musical talents were not regularly shown, but for those who had the opportunity to hear her play the violin, piano and organ, they appreciated and cherished the beautiful music she played and shared.

She married the love of her life and her best friend, David Leung-Chun Lau, in 1971, and then moved to Arlington, Texas to begin their new life together.

Irene was preceded in death by her first child, Adelina, in 1992; her parents Keng Lin-Kiat and Tan So Khim; and her eldest sister, Keng Beng Hui. She is survived by her husband of nearly 48 years, David; her son Nathaniel Lau and wife Adrienne; her daughter Abigail Lau Jeffcoat and husband Matthew Jeffcoat; and her grandchildren Ryan Jeffcoat and Madeline Jeffcoat. She is also survived by her sisters Shirley Tan and Lucien Sison and her brother Moses Keng, as well as their own families.

Her family will miss her unmistakable laugh, which could be heard from a far distance, and her beautiful smile, which would light up a room. Even in her last days with us, she still found her smile which made us smile in return.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests that, instead, donations be made for the Dallas Chinese Bible Church Missionary Fund, which may be mailed and paid to Dallas Chinese Bible Church, located at 1707 Campbell Trail, Richardson, Texas 75082. Any donations should specifically list the “Missionary Fund” as the beneficiary, which may be in the Memo of the check or in any accompanying notes. Your gifts will further Irene’s support of the work of missionaries through the church.