Jennie Ong Grupp

Jennie Ong Grupp, 66, long-time resident of Fort Payne, passed away Friday, January 13, 2017 at Huntsville Hospital. Born July 10, 1950 in Singapore, Jennie was later educated in office administration and cooking. In the 1960’s, she was part of Singapore’s industrial boom after independence, working for Texas Instruments training workers to build semiconductors. Later in the 1970’s, she hosted international travelers from the front desk of the, still-esteemed, Raffles Hotel in Singapore. It was November 2, 1976 when Jennie arrived in the U.S.A., arriving first in New York City and finally Fort Payne which she made her home. There she married the late Leonard C. Williams and together they managed their local motel and restaurant. Over the years, she continued working in the culinary arts. Later in life, she enjoyed serving the First United Methodist Church as caregiver of the Church’s youngest. Jennie is remembered as being active and high-spirited, with a personality and will that exceeded her petite stature. She loved preparing delicious culinary creations for others to enjoy, as this was one of the ways she expressed her affection. She was a lover of nature, had a natural “green thumb” in the garden and could grow any flower, plant, or seed. She was a skilled craftswoman, painting figurines and creating room decorations for her two children, Jonathan and Valerie, when they were young. Most of all, though, Jennie lovingly cherished her children, and took great pride in all their successes. She is preceded in death by her parents Gian Ah Lek and Ong Yee Mui; and brother Ong Choon Tip. Jennie leaves behind her children, Jonathan Grupp of Huntsville and Valerie Grupp of Pennsylvania; siblings, Rosalin Ong Choon Mui, Ong Choon Chye and Ong Choon Huat of Singapore; and many nieces and nephews of Singapore. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at First United Methodist Church in Fort Payne, Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. followed immediately by a meal for family and friends in Cobble Hall. Online tributes may be left at www.wilsonfhinc.com

Jennie Ong Grupp

July 10, 1950 - January 13, 2017