Sarah Ann Wong St. John

Born Aug. 16, 1949, in Houston to Douglas and Grace Wong, Sarah grew up in the Denver Harbor neighborhood. She attended Chinese Baptist Church of Houston and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School, where she was a captain in the Scottish Brigade. She also attended classes at the University of Houston. It was at UH that she met husband William St. John, of Houston.

While in college, she performed as a singer with two groups, The Quiet Hour and Phoenix, entertaining at several venues around Houston, including Jimmy Gee's China Town at Market Square. Her love of song and performing continued through the rest of her life, and she sang at numerous social, political and charity events.

She worked at Borden Milk Co. and Continental Trailways offices in Houston, before joining McDermott Marine as an engineering secretary.

After leaving McDermott, she joined the staff of several radio stations in the Houston area, including KPRC radio and Radio Disney. It was during this time that she was elected president of the local chapter of American Women in Radio and Television.

In addition to her leadership position at AWRT, she held offices with the Gee Family Association, Newcomers and Neighbors of Greater Houston, and the Country Playhouse, where she also performed onstage.

She also supported her parents' business endeavors, including Grace's Plantation Room downtown, the China Blossom Catering Co. and the Wooden Spoon Restaurant in Katy.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years; her brother, Douglas Wong Jr., of Alexandria, Va.; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Forest Park Lawndale. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. the evening before. A memorial celebration will be held later in the month.

Donations in her honor can be made to the

American Cancer Society