Chong Mae Saunders' Obituary
Chong M. Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea to Sae Ki Lee and Suk Tae Kim on June 15,1947, the second of six children. She lived and went to school in Korea until she met Sergeant Robert Saunders in 1965. A friendship followed and then courtship. Robert and Chong were married on January 9, 1967 in Seoul, Korea. The couple travelled to the United States to begin their new life as husband and wife. Chong Robert travelled between the Unites States, Korea and Germany, before settling in Killeen, Texas for many years. Later in 2013, Robert and Chong relocated to Forney, Texas. Chong lived a full life filled with excitement, travel, and hard work. She supported her husband in his military career. She worked in the garment industry for many years. She worked diligently in the church community, supporting many churches and pastors. She sang in the choir, worked with the women’s and children’s ministries. Chong loved cooking and often cooked for the church and members of her church. She worked from her heart serving the homeless of the city up to the time of her illness. In her life, Chong faced some challenges. She and her husband attempted to have children, and faced sadness at their loss of their two daughters in infancy. But their faith remained strong and Chong and Robert were blessed to have and raise two sons, Reggie and Demetrius. Mrs. Saunders was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Sae Ki Lee and Mrs. Suk Tae Kim; her brother, Chong Myun Lee; and daughters, Renee Saunders and Therese Irene Saunders. She is survived by her husband Command Sergeant Major Robert Saunders (Ret), sons, Reggie (Lynda), Demetrius, one adopted-in-heart-son, Rod Hill, and five grandchildren. Chong is also survived by one sister, Choon Ja Kim (IL Sook), three brothers, Chong Kang Lee (Becky), Chong Don Lee (Myung), and Chong Joon Lee (Angie). Chong is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved. The family of Mrs. Chong Saunders wishes to take this time to express their sincere appreciation for the outpouring of love shown through the many cards, flowers, calls and visits that they have received from the numerous friends, neighbors, and co-workers who remembered the dear woman fondly and simply called Chong. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 5:00 PM in the Abbey Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted into Restland Funeral home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243.
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