Celebrating the Beautiful Life and Legacy of Lay Bun

Family, friends, and everyone gathered here today, thank you for coming together to honor, mourn, and celebrate the extraordinary life of Lay Bun. Born on May 11, 1954, she blessed this world for over seven decades with her kindness, wisdom, and grace. We meet today with heavy hearts, but we are united by a profound sense of gratitude for the incredible privilege of knowing her, loving her, and being loved by her.

Lay Bun was the anchor of our family, a woman who made the world feel a little softer, a little brighter, and infinitely more welcoming. To know Lay Bun was to experience a rare, genuine warmth. It was found in her gentle smile, her open heart, and her unique ability to make everyone feel completely safe and understood. On January 1, 1986, she made the United States her home, embarking on a new chapter defined by resilience and hope. She worked tirelessly and gave everything she had as a single mother, facing every challenge with unyielding determination to build a bright future for her family. Her life entered a beautiful new season when she became engaged to her beloved husband, Mok Mao, on July 10, 2000, and they later relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where they built a wonderful life filled with shared love and community. From the very beginning, she lived with a quiet strength and a deep kindness that left an indelible mark on everyone who crossed her path.

At the center of Lay Bun's world was her beautiful, sprawling family. She shared a life of devotion with her husband, Mok Mao, standing together through life's many seasons. She shared an irreplaceable, lifelong bond with her sister, Loeur Tann, and her brother-in-law, Kim Tann. Her family was her greatest pride, and her love extended deeply to Nicholas Tann, Harvey Tann, Jimmy Tann, and Ryan Tann.

As a mother, her heart knew no bounds. She leaves behind her cherished son, Sambo Bun, who carried her love proudly, and her step-sons, Moeun Mao, Sameth Mao, and Bunthorn Mao. She welcomed her daughter-in-law Leticia Ortiz, step-daughters-in-law, Meliza Mao and Kimcheng Mao into her heart with open arms, treating them as her very own.

Lay Bun's legacy of love shines brightest in the eyes of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought endless joy to her life. She was a devoted grandmother to Sonitha Prim, Montino Prim and his wife Litzy Gonzalez-Prim, along with Marcelino Ortiz-Bun, Emiliano Ortiz-Bun, Anjellina Ortiz and Laybella Bun. Her warmth extended beautifully to her step-grandchildren, Anaiya Mao, Kamyle Mao, Mekai Mao, Kingston Mao, and Liam Mao. She was further blessed to witness her family grow down to her great-grandchildren, Daleyza Gonzalez-Prim and Montino Gonzalez-Prim and Aliyanna Prim. For each of them, she was a source of pure, unconditional love.

The void left behind by Lay Bun's absence is vast, and the grief we feel is a testament to how deeply she was loved. But as we carry this sorrow, we must also carry the legacy she left behind from the long, beautiful life she led since 1954. That love does not fade with a final goodbye. It lives on in our memories, in the stories we will continue to tell, and in the ways, we choose to care for one another, just as she cared for us.

Lay Bun, you gave us all of yourself, and your spirit will forever be woven into the fabric of our lives. We miss you more than words can ever express, but we find comfort knowing that you are at peace. Thank you for being our light. You will remain in our hearts, cherished and remembered, forever. Rest in peace.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Moloney-Hewell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4140 University Blvd., South, Jacksonville, FL 32216 (904) 737-4855