Rose Mary Leong

Rose Mary, known fondly to her family as Charlotte, was born in Houston, Texas to Erma Lee and Bill Harper on November 22, 1951. She graduated high school at Sam Houston High School. Charlotte married James Leong on December 19, 1969. She was a stay at home mom until joining Dillard’s at West Oaks Mall in 1992. She retired after 25 years of dedicated service.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her parents Erma Lee and Bill Harper and step father Werner Handrick. Bor Gim and Dong Soo Leong and Frankie Leong.

Charlotte is survived by James Leong, Laura and Brett Boynton, Christopher Leong, Jason Leong and Ann Chu, William Bor, JoElla Ann and Jolene John, sister and brother in-laws, cousins and many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

The family of Rose Mary wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors, researchers and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Our beloved mother, Charlotte, was a devout woman of Catholic faith, quiet strength and boundless love. Raised as a spirited tomboy, she spent her childhood climbing trees, swimming, playing with her Chihuahuas and faithfully attending mass each week. Her joy for life and devotion to God shaped the compassionate woman she became.

With a humble and selfless heart, her service to others was steadfast. Charlotte worked in hospitality at our grandfather’s Yeh’s restaurants, Cathay House, Silver Star, House of Chen – where she formed lifelong friendships – then to Wan Fu and Lucky Star. When her children needed her the most, she stepped away from work without hesitation to raise her family. Charlotte embraced motherhood as her greatest calling.

Later, she returned to serving others at Dillard’s where her kindness and warmth continued to touch many lives over her 25 years there.

Charlotte’s life was defined with generosity. She kept an ever growing list of loved ones for whom she joyfully shopped-family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and those in need through church donations.

Charlotte’s Christmas shopping began immediately after the holidays and carried on all year long with birthdays never forgotten. Long before the World Wide Web, she found QVC and HSN and her shopping ensued in planning thoughtful gifts well in advance.

Whether cooking, hosting, laughing or listening, Charlotte was always thinking of others. It was never about the gifts themselves but the love behind them. She gave selflessly, worked faithfully and lived for her family and friends.

While some experience that kind of love only during special seasons, we were blessed to live in it every day. Mom’s faith, love and generosity will remain with us always. May she smile, laugh, give her “bug hugs” and dance in eternal glory, embraced by God’s loving arms.

A private visitation will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 at noon at Garden Oaks Funeral Home and Crematory. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 18, 2025 at noon at the Texas Liberty Mausoleum, Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079.