Frances Lam Chorey, 91, departed peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on Oct. 14, 2009. A native of Lexington, Va., and the daughter of James W. Lam and Mamie P. Lam, she graduated from Madison College and then taught school in Buena Vista. She was married for 36 years to T. Vincent Chorey, of Suffolk, Va., the owner of Chorey Motors, Inc. from 1938-1970, who predeceased her by 29 years.
She is survived by her two sons, Thomas V. Chorey Jr. and wife, Bettye J., of Atlanta, Ga., and William L. Chorey and wife, Gloria H., of Suffolk; four grandchildren, William L. Chorey Jr. and wife, Lauren S., Hunter C. Chorey and wife, Mika R., Christina L. Chorey and Kendall P. Chorey; three brothers, J. Caldwell Lam, Wilfred P. Lam and his wife, Margaret K., and Kenneth M. Lam and his wife, Eleanor G. The family wishes to express its deep gratitude to her special caregivers over the years.
Fran was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, and, as importantly, a devoted Christian friend to all who knew her. Her life was a living testimony to her deep faith in Jesus Christ. She was a founding member of Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church. She also hosted the first coffee to introduce an international organization, Stonecroft Christian Women’s Club, to Suffolk in 1985. Her home was considered to be the club headquarters, since her hospitality was available for the club’s every need. The club’s national executive personnel lived with Fran for some time, working with her to establish its foundation. Fran’s whole purpose in life was to honor and glorify the Lord, and she withheld nothing. The club continues to meet monthly at the Hilton Garden Inn.
To those who knew and loved her, there is absolute certainty about her eternal residence in Heaven. We grieve below because we will miss her earthly presence.
A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3488 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23434 at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Burial will be private. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, at 3488 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23434 or the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., 1501 NW 9th Avenue/ Bob Hope Road, Bob Hope Road Miami, FL, 33136-1494 or on the Web at www.parkinson.org. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.