Thuan Thi Nguyen

Thuan Thi Nguyen was born on May 19th, 1944 in Hanoi, Vietnam to her mother, Chung Thi Nguyen and father, Tuoc Van Nguyen. She was one of 12 children raised in an affluent, peaceful northern farming region amid the beauty and nature of Vietnam. Her parents operated multiple businesses and were landowners. In 1954, she moved to South Vietnam to Ap Van Hanh Xa Trung My Tay where she studied to be a clothier and tailor with a master of the art. Upon completion of her studies, she opened a store with her best friend where she custom designed clothing for some of the most influential people in the country and dignitaries from abroad. The business was a success in the bustling fashion world of Vietnam! Unfortunately, after a few years passed, tragedy struck when the business burned in a fire. Undeterred, Thuan Thi Nguyen saw this as an opportunity to pursue other goals where she could use her exemplary business skills. Persevering, she picked up and moved to Saigon where the enterprising young woman opened a cantina on the US military base. Located in a pleasant, busy region of the iconic city, the cantina became a success and her traditional cooking became a staple for many visitors to Saigon. This is where she met and later married Tong Thanh Vo in 1970. Together, they had 7 children: Tham Vo, Sang Vo, Quy Vo, Liem Vo, Van Vo, Hong Vo, and Dung Tam Vo. Throughout their childhood, Thuan Thi Nguyen was a devoted mother, who filled her home with love and encouragement. She was always wishing the very best for her children and was immensely proud of them. She was a staunch supporter of their success in both work and academic studies, and through her example, she inspired them to do good for others with their lives. After the war, she returned to working in textiles and sewing, where her talents in design and her business savvy supported and sustained her growing family. However, business was a struggle with the economic changes that the people faced during that time, not just in Vietnam, but in countries throughout the region and in the Philippines as well. Thaun Thi Nguyen wanted so much more for her children, and she was determined to try to give them the very best life possible. In 1988, Thuan Thi Nguyen brought her family to the United States. First arriving in Florida, they soon moved to Texas where she lived with her loving family initially in Fort Worth, then Arlington, and later in Mansfield. She always worked to provide for her family and proudly became a grandmother after her eldest daughters married and had children. She made sound investments and grew her spiritual faith, doing outreach and offering teaching for many during her years in Texas. In 1997, Thuan Thi Nguyen moved with her family to Lakeland, Fl where she enjoyed designing the garden for her new home and spending time with all of her grandchildren. A constant believer in doing good for others, Thuan Thi Nguyen always sought to share the blessings she had been given with others. She often welcomed visitors into her home and shared meals with travelers from out of the country. In all things, she was a person of principle and tradition, who lived her life with integrity and a generosity that was unparalleled. She led others by example, living her life with a heart full of goodness and wisdom that impacted all those who encountered her. Thuan Thi Nguyen was the leader of her family. She was committed to providing direction and leadership to each of them. An accomplished businesswoman, she and her husband owned a restaurant and had a successful seamstress business as well. She loved to travel and prided herself in her family and her traditions. She was a natural leader, with many talents. Even as she aged, she remined beautiful and always had a lovely smile. She remained active in her community and always loved and cared for her family. In addition, Thuan Thi Nguyen continued to tirelessly share her faith with many people throughout the world. She believed people could do things to ease suffering, and she always tried to do what she could. Thuan Thi Nguyen was a kind, gracious and giving woman who made the world a better place to be for all of those who had the blessing of knowing her. She is survived by her 2 siblings: Chi Nguyen of Jacksonville, and Hy Nguyen of Chicago; 5 daughters and their spouses: Quy and Son Le, Sang Vo, Van Vo and Tuan Dao of Jacksonville, and Hong Vo of Lakeland; and 12 grandchildren: Einstein Doan, Kimberly Doan, Alexander Doan, Jenna Le, Jenny Le, Jefferson Le, Davin Dao, Zeroun Dao, and Anzulbella Dao. Thuan Thi Nguyen’s memory is carried on by these family members, her extended family members, and the countless others who have known her and were honored to learn from her during her life. Please join us in celebrating the life and honoring the memory of Thuan Thi Nguyen during her memorial service in the Southside Chapel on Thursday, May 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home located at 1727 Bartow Road in Lakeland.

Thuan Thi Nguyen

May 19, 1944 - May 17, 2023