Fong Ming Wong passed away November 8, 2020 at the age of 78 in McKinney, Texas. She was born November 8, 1942 in Guangzhou, China. Fong Ming married Stanley T. Wong in Hong Kong.
During this lifetime, Fong Ming survived a difficult childhood in China to lead a passionate, industrious, and colorful life in Hong Kong and the United States. Always courageous and tenacious, she never backed down from a challenge. Equipped with unflappable conviction, she was always determined to see things through. She drew on her faith for mercy and wisdom to help navigate the struggles of life. That faith grew stronger with each passing day.
She was self-reliant, confident, and fiercely independent. As a child she worked in a sweatshop wrapping cigarettes, then a seamstress, a jeweler, a co-owner of a restaurant, and an elementary school cafeteria aide. Even with lofty dreams, she was practical and did whatever was necessary along with her husband Stanley to raise five children and provide for her mother, for whom she had great respect and affection.
With her charm and charisma, she was never without friends. She loved to play, and she loved to laugh. She enjoyed the company of others and had a fervor for teaching and giving advice. She was tireless and generous in sharing her time and knowledge with others.
She was musically gifted and loved to practice and perform. She sang in choir, performed Cantonese opera with her husband and friends, and had learned to play guzheng (Chinese zither). Music was always playing in the house...and loudly. It was a great source of joy and pride.
She dedicated the second act of her life to the study and practice of Buddhism. She was a very active and beloved member of the Buddha's Light International Association. Not only did her spirituality provide inner peace for her and community with others, she also developed an outlet to direct her energy and compassion to help others. At the Walnut Street Senior Center, she volunteered her time by teaching yoga and fundraising for charity. She derived great satisfaction through contributing to society and helping those less fortunate.
She showed concern for the well-being of others, and this included her family and friends. She was always ready to suggest practices for good health and remedies for ailments. And of course, she always reminded her children and grandchildren to put on a jacket whenever it was chilly outside.
She was and forever will be unique. She was loved, and she will be missed. She made good use of this lifetime and will be ready for the next one.
She is survived by her husband, Stanley Wong of McKinney, Texas; children, Jennet Chan and husband, Tak of San Jose, California, Steve Wong and wife, Shannon of Ft. Worth, Texas, David Wong and wife, Sonya Hunt of Ft. Worth, Texas, Dr. Matthew Wong and wife, Ann of Austin, Texas and Valerie Wong of Santa Barbara, California; grandchildren, Jocelyn, Cole, Kristen, Kaitlyn, Noah and Sophia.
Fong Ming was preceded in death by her parents.
An unattended livestreamed visitation will be held Monday, November 16, 2020 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home. The live streamed can be viewed at TJMfuneral.com on Fong Ming Wong’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: Celebrationoflife.tv.
Her ashes will be interred at the columbarium at Chung Mei Buddhist Temple in Houston, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to International Buddhist Progress Society (IBPS) in Richardson, Texas.
Celebrationoflife.tv livestream link https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/fong-ming-wong