Yong Hee Parris

Yong was born on January 14, 1952, in South Korea. Her life began with circumstances that would have been difficult for anyone, but especially for a little girl. At just five years old, Yong became an orphan and was raised by her grandmother alongside her three siblings.

Her grandmother worked incredibly hard to care for them, often leaving for days at a time to travel to markets and sell what she could to provide for the family.

While her grandmother was away, Yong learned at a very young age how to help care for her little sister. She would forage for food, find water, prepare meals, and do whatever was needed to help them get through each day.

Yet when Yong talked about her childhood, she didn't focus on what she lacked. She remembered the love she shared with her siblings and said they had some of the best times together. She and her little sister were especially close, and those memories remained precious to her throughout her life.

Yong was also a true daddy's girl. Her father held a very special place in her heart, making his passing especially painful. He passed away on her birthday, another heartbreak that became part of a life that already held more than its share of loss.

Yong experienced other tragedies and hardships throughout her life, but somehow, they never took away her ability to love. They never made her bitter. Instead, they helped shape her into the beautiful person she became.

Her Faith

Faith was woven into Yong's life from the very beginning.

When she was only five years old, growing up in the mountainous countryside of Korea, she would hear the church bell ringing early in the morning. Drawn by its sound, she would make her way through the mountainous landscape to church by herself to attend the morning service.

Even as a little girl facing a difficult life, she found her way to God.

That faith stayed with her for the rest of her life.

Through every loss, hardship, uncertainty, and eventually her battle with cancer, Yong held onto her faith. It gave her strength when she needed it most and helped her continue forward when life was difficult.

Her faith wasn't just something she believed; it was something that carried her.

The little girl who once made her way through the mountains to follow the sound of a church bell would grow into a woman whose faith remained one of the strongest foundations of her life.

How Their Love Began

While Yong was living and working in South Korea, a young American soldier named Jack Parris was stationed there with the United States Army.

One day, Jack came into the place where Yong worked and noticed that she was crying. Although they could not speak each other's language, he was moved by compassion. He walked over to her and gently patted her on the back, simply letting her know that someone cared.

Yong never forgot that small act of kindness.

Without sharing a common language, Jack gestured to ask her what she would like to drink. She replied, “Coca-Cola.”

Jack came back the next day and bought her another Coca-Cola.

And then he came back again.

Day after day, he continued returning to see her, bringing her a Coca-Cola each time. What began with a simple act of compassion slowly became something more. Without needing many words, a friendship began, and from that friendship, their love was planted and began to blossom.

Two people who could not initially speak each other's language found a way to understand one another through kindness, patience, and love.

That simple Coca-Cola became the beginning of a love story that would become a marriage, a family, and a lifetime of memories.

A Life Built on Love

Despite everything she had experienced as a child, Yong went on to create the kind of loving family she had always deserved.

She became the parent she needed, the Nanna her grandchildren adored, the wife who remained devoted to her husband, and the friend who was always willing to give.

She was a hardworking and dedicated wife and mother who put her family first. She was generous with what she had, full of wisdom, and always willing to help the people she loved.

Yong was the beloved wife of Jack Parris and the loving mother of

Elizabeth, Jack, Sonya, and Angeline. She was a cherished Nanna to eight grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother.

She eventually made her home in Arizona, where she lived for 23 years and built a life filled with the people she loved.

Yong's love for Jack was especially strong. She remained deeply committed to him throughout their life together. Even after his passing, she never remarried. She carried her love for him with her, remaining faithful to the memories and family they had created together.

Her Joyful Spirit

For all the hardships Yong experienced, she never lost her childlike spirit.

She loved to laugh. She loved to have fun. And she especially loved being silly with her children and grandchildren.

She would make funny videos and little skits with the kids, creating memories that her family will treasure forever. She wasn't afraid to act silly, laugh at herself, or simply enjoy the moment. These moments brought so much laughter and happiness to her family and showed the playful side of her that everyone loved.

She loved dancing, hiking, painting, spending time with her grandchildren, and trying just about anything. She had a curiosity and joy about life that made her fun to be around. Whether it was a spontaneous dance, a funny skit, or simply spending time together,

Yong knew how to turn ordinary moments into treasured memories.

There was still a little girl inside Yong—the little girl who had known hardship but who never allowed hardship to take away her ability to laugh, love, and enjoy life.

Strong to the End

In the final chapter of her life, Yong faced cancer with the same strength that had carried her through everything else.

She fought a brave and courageous battle and remained strong to the very end.

Cancer took a great deal from her physically, but it could never take away her spirit, her love for her family, or the faith she had carried since she was five years old.

Her family watched her endure this final battle with courage and strength. Even after everything she had already overcome in her lifetime, she continued to fight. She faced her illness with the same perseverance that had defined her life, rarely complaining despite the difficulties she endured.

Her faith remained a source of comfort and hope, just as it had been through every other trial in her life. The strength she showed throughout her battle was a reflection of the woman she had always been: resilient, faithful, and full of love.

Her Legacy

The greatest gift Yong leaves behind is the family she loved so deeply.

After experiencing so much loss and uncertainty as a child, she built a life filled with the things that mattered most to her: family, laughter, love, friendship, and faith. She gave her children and grandchildren the kind of love and devotion that came from knowing how precious family truly is.

Her wisdom will live on in the lessons she shared. Her generosity will live on in the people she helped. Her laughter will live on in the stories, photographs, and funny videos she made with her family. And her faith will live on in the hearts of those who watched her hold onto God through every season of her life.

Her grandchildren will remember their Nanna for the fun she brought into their lives, the laughter they shared, and all the silly moments they created together. Her children will remember a mother who worked hard, loved deeply, and gave everything she could to her family. And all of us will remember the little things that made her uniquely Yong—the way she laughed, the way she danced, her wisdom, her generosity, her playful spirit, and the way she could make an ordinary moment feel special.

Mom, you went through more in your life than anyone should have to endure. You lost people you loved, faced hardships from a very young age, and fought a battle with cancer that tested you to the very end. But through it all, you remained you.

You loved us.

You made us laugh.

You taught us.

You took care of us.

And you showed us what it means to keep going, even when life is hard.

You became the mother you needed when you were a little girl. You became the Nanna your grandchildren will never forget. You became the wife who loved Dad until the very end of your life. And you became a friend to so many people who were blessed to know you.

We wish we could have one more conversation with you. One more laugh. One more silly video. One more hug. One more day.

But we know your faith is what carried you through this life, and we find comfort knowing you are now at peace with the Lord you loved since you were a little girl.

We will carry you with us in everything we do—in the stories we tell, the laughter we share, the traditions we keep, and the love we give to one another.

You may no longer be here for us to hold, Mom, but you will always be a part of who we are.

We love you. We miss you. And we will carry your love with us until we see you again.

Forever our Mom. Forever our Nanna. Forever in our hearts.