Edith Lee Chong was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 31, 1923 and passed away at the age of 95 on October 09, 2018 in Houston, Texas.
Edith’s parents moved their family to their home country of China in 1936, when she was 14 years old. Shortly thereafter, war broke out and fighting edged closer to the family village in the province of Guongdong. In the summer of 1938, weeks before Guongdong was captured by the enemy, Edith’s mother made arrangements for her to marry Joe Kwock Chong, who lived in Mississippi. In December 1938, at age of 15, Edith was on her way to Itta Bena Mississippi where her husband owned a grocery store. She and her husband worked hard in their store while raising their 3 wonderful boys: Frank, Bellford, and Coleman. The boys each graduated from college, became wonderful husbands, and even more wonderful fathers, and having the grandchildren brought great joy to Edith and Joe. Sadly, in August of 1979, Joe passed away leaving Edith to run the store by herself.
To be closer to her sons and family Edith moved to Houston in 1981. She was a doting “Grandma”, helpful mom to her children and their families, she was very active in her church, participated in senior activities, and enjoyed traveling.
In January of 2001 Edith moved to Clarewood House, a senior living complex. While there she enjoyed her independence and opportunity to put her special skills to personal practice. She was extremely organized and managed to keep things in good order, had a sharp memory, and remembered everyone’s birthdays. She would lovingly cross-stitch many beautiful pieces for her family, friends, and church. She loved playing games, especially Rummikub and bingo. At Clarewood, she was a dedicated volunteer for many of the activities and assisted those who needed a helping hand. Her love and kindness were much appreciated and will definitely be missed by fellow residents and staff.
Edith was preceded in death by her parents Lee Sing Kim and Chin Sun How; her husband Joe K. Chong; and sister Joyce Chinn. She is survived by her sons and their spouses: Frank (Betty) Chong, Bellford (Judy) Chong, Coleman (Judy) Chong; grandchildren: Sheri (Jimmy) Devillez, Jill Chong, Derek Chong, Mindy (Doug) Dolenc, Erin (Ken) Joe, Byron (Jennifer) Chong, Mitzi (Jerry) Mak, Dena (Wilson) Chuang, and Jeremy (Sara) Chong; great grandchildren: Bailey and Madison Devillez, Bryce, Allie, Reece, and Lexi Dolenc, Hayley and Jackson Joe, and Avery and Allie Chong. Also left to cherish her memories are her 5 sisters: Florence Woo, Flora Wong, Maymie Ho, Dorothy Wong; 1 brother: Robert Lee; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A visitation for Edith will be held Friday, October 26, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. A memorial service will occur Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Chinese Baptist Church, 900 Brogden, Houston, Texas 77024.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Edith's memory may be made to Chinese Baptist Church, 900 Brogden, Houston, Texas 77024; and Faith Fellowship Church of Fort Bend (Formerly Asian American Baptist Church), 2723 Kingsbrook Lane, Missouri City, Texas 77459.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Chong family.
