Phirun Tep

Phirun Tep, resident of Pearland, Texas left this world peacefully on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at the age of 100. She was born in Cambodia, in the province of Kampong Chaam on October 1st, 1921 to Tin Tep and Soth Koul Demontero. She was married to Captain Nget Ken for over 20 years until he passed.

During the Cambodian genocide, Phirun Tep escaped with Nang Sao and his family to the Khao I Dang refugee camp in Thailand. There, Phirun Tep adopted her son Vuth Ken and they immigrated to Houston, TX on April 12, 1982 through the sponsorship of the YMCA.

Phirun Tep attended Cambodian South Main Baptist Church and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1984. She was baptized by Reverend Sokthy Doeung.

Yeay’s life was marked by her radical generosity and strength. She had a passion for cooking and sewing. She loved to dance. She cared for many children throughout her lifetime as if they were her very own. She was a beloved “grandma” to many and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her son Vuth Ken, her three grandchildren John Ken, Janet Nhem, Elizabeth Ken, and her four great grandchildren Paxton Nhem, Luke Nhem, Charlize Nhem, and Mia Ken.

In addition, she is survived by her sister Kimhan Tep, her two nieces Manith Yin and Corita So, and her grand nieces and nephews, Maria Chea, Daniel Chea, Sireysophia Chea, Nimeth Emanuel David, Marie Leakkena David, and Rithyruth Alexander David.

Furthermore, she is survived by her honorary children Sdoeung Sam, Mary Nguyen, Larry Nguyen and their children and grandchildren.

As a family and church community, we thank God for Yeay Phirun Tep’s life. We praise God for His grace in saving her. May our lives be lived for His glory until we reunite in heaven. We treasure deeply the many expressions of love and support shown to our family during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing in the celebration of Yeay’s life.

A visitation will be held Sunday, March 6, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Forest Park East Funeral Home with funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow in Forest Park East Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Tep family.