Maria Bong Ju Hong

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23 Maria Bong Ju Hong, age 96, was called home by the Lord and passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Born on March 24, 1929, in Busan, Korea, Maria was the second to youngest of seven siblings. After marrying Hong Kichul in 1948, they moved to Seoul, Korea, where she opened her own retail business. Although she received only an elementary-level education, Maria was a self-directed learner. She worked diligently and tirelessly to raise her five children to succeed professionally and academically. Despite a long-standing Buddhist lineage, Maria accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior through the influence of her son, Paul Hong, and converted to Christianity. Committed to her Christian faith, Maria was called to move to the United States. In 1985, Maria joined her son, Paul, who was a pastor in Toledo, Ohio. Her decision later opened the door for her daughter, Joan, and son-in-law, Peter Park, to live as missionaries in the United States. As a devoted mother of prayer, Maria faithfully supported the Toledo UBF ministry through her steadfast prayers, while joyfully raising her grandchildren, Joshua and Samuel. When she was not praying for others, Maria enjoyed feeding (and sometimes overfeeding) her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Committed to excellence, Maria encouraged her grandchildren to pursue their passions; however, she was emphatic that they pursue higher education and faithfully seek the Lord. Maria continued her own educational journey through her Bible studies, daily devotionals, and prayers. Extremely organized and disciplined, Maria embraced technology and faithfully encouraged her family members with her regular KakaoTalk messages. As a beloved wife and mother, Missionary Maria was preceded in death by her husband Hong Kichul, and sons, Daniel Hong and Hong Chong Moon. She is survived by her 3 children: Hong Chong Ho (Choi Chun Sook), Paul Hong (Sarah), Joan Park (Peter), Susy Hong and Choi Bun Hee; her 13 grandchildren Sarah Trujillo (Jose), Faith Choi (Daniel), Hong Suk Man (Nam Bo Ram), Susan Lee (Elia), Hong Suk Hyun (Jun Ji Hyun), Augustine Hong, Su Hyun Hong, Albert Hong (Anna), Annie Roliz (Xavier), Joshua Park (Angelica), Daniel Hong, Samuel Park (Elizabeth), and Juliana Hong; and her 18 great-grandchildren Evan, Evyn, Leighton, Chloe, Lucas, Daniel, Hudson, Sofia, Jonathan, Nehemiah, Hong Min Suh, Caleb, Hong Jun Young, Hong So Hee, Elliot, Lydia, Gabriel, and Amelia. Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 10am to 12pm at University Bible Fellowship, 2841 Dorr St., Toledo, Ohio. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 12:00pm, officiated by Pastor Steve Stasinos.

Maria Bong Ju Hong

March 24, 1929 - November 23, 2025