Joua Chou Vue

Joua Chou Vue, 68 years old, of Hickory, North Carolina, passed away on February 7, 2022 at Frye Hospital. He was transferred to the hospital due to an unexpected acute heart attack, later also diagnosed with COVID-19.

Joua was born on March 28th, 1953 to Soob Tuam Vwj and Ntxiab Lauj in Luang Prabang, Laos. He completed his studies starting from grade school through technical college and graduated with a degree in Nursing from Laos. In 1974, he met his spouse Mai Lee while interning as a nurse. She was his first patient, and it took a year of him traveling with her to other hospitals to treat her until she recovered from lung disease. Their bond and love for each other grew with the time they spent together during her treatments and recovery trail. It wasn’t until they graduated in 1980 that they finally married with the help of all their teachers because they were both orphans with no parents back home to host their wedding. After graduation in Laos, he landed his first job as a nurse and worked in Vientiane, Laos, and surrounding mountain communities for 9 years. They loved each other so deeply and had 8 children together: Khamsee Vue, Vannee Vue, Lee See Vue, Yang Lee Vue, Lee Hue Vue, Pa Lee Vue, Noucee Vue, and Leekong Vue.

Joua was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family. He gave them the life they deserved and the life he never had as an orphan growing up. He took a leap of faith and immigrated his family through life and death to the United States in 1992 from Laos. His family meant more to him than anything in the world because as an orphan at a young age, he wanted his children to have both loving, supportive parents and a better life. He was unendingly proud of all his children and their choice of career. Joua always did his best to support them through farming, labor work, and odd jobs. He saved every penny hoping to get a better life for his family. He sacrificed his comfort for the stability of his family.

He was most known in his community for his vast knowledge and unconditional love and support through his practices in medicine and religious beliefs as a spiritual healer. He was a humble man who would help anyone, even those whom he just met.

Joua was very passionate about creating bonds with people who found joy absorbing his stories and knowledge. He could be found as the center of attention when he visited families and friends because his voice and laughter could light up a room. He will truly be missed by all those who have come to know him.