Miriam Ann Wong's Obituary
Present with the Lord: August 28, 2025
Miriam (Mel) Ann Wong was born November 25, 1937, to Hubert and May Fong. She grew up in Oakland, CA, and attended the Chinese Independent Baptist Church where she met her husband, Benjamin (Ben) Wong.
At age nineteen (1957), Mel married Ben and they spent their honeymoon driving to Texas. Their honeymoon suite was their pup tent at various national parks, solidifying a love of nature and national parks. In Dallas, while Ben attended Dallas Theological Seminary, Mel went to Texas Women’s University and completed her education as an occupational therapist.
In 1961, Ben and Mel returned to the Bay Area to serve at Oakland Chinese Bible Church. In 1963, they moved to San Francisco to start a church in their garage, which became the San Francisco Bible Church. By God’s provision, they bought a house, so they could nurture their four children and many “adopted” family members. The front door was often unlocked and the home welcomed all every weekend.
God provided many opportunities for Ben and Mel to see the sights of the world. They often left spontaneously for these journeys-it was hard to keep track of where they were! Ben & Mel’s travels reached the northernmost and southernmost points of the world. They constantly marvelled at God’s creation and they were equally in awe of God’s provision.
Mel adored her Lord. Jesus gave her a new life, and her greatest joy was to share that with the people she met. Wherever she met someone, whether in her home or in her travels, she wanted them to know she cared about them because Jesus loved them.
Mel is survived by her 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. We praise the Lord for her life, love, and ministry.
What’s your fondest memory of Miriam?
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Share a story where Miriam's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Miriam you’ll never forget.
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