Boualeuang Chanthaphavong

Boualeuang (Boua) Chanthaphavong passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family on October 19th, 2025 at the age of 80. She was born in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand on September 2nd, 1945 to Liang and Beuang Paramad.

Boua and her husband Bounma came to the United States in 1982, like so many others at that time, fleeing communism and seeking a better opportunity for their family. They arrived in Durham, NC, sponsored by a loving Baptist family, the Conklin’s. With no formal American education, the couple worked in textile mills and other forms of blue-collar jobs. They saved unflinchingly and when their son Nilanh approached them in 1999 with the idea of opening a restaurant, they were able to fund the venture with their life savings. With its success, they soon retired.

Within her community, Boua was a renowned seamstress. She took pride in mending and altering garments for her friends and family. She also was a very devout Christian and member of Glen Hope Baptist Church, always reading and studying the Bible and contributing in whatever way she could. She also found great joy in gardening. Even towards the end, she kept reminding her husband to water the vegetables. She was always putting others before herself, even in her final days. She had a warm, inquisitive, playful and welcoming aura, that exuded joy. This was most evident in the moments with her grandchildren. We believe that was her favorite job: grandma.

Boua is survived by her husband of 45 years, Bounma Chanthaphavong; her four sons, Anousone (Deng), Anthony (Bouaanong), Nilanh (Samantha) and Keko (Tram); her seven grandchildren, Umphone, Davone, Derek, Skylar, Niobe, Sophia and Emi; as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Kevin Brown. There will be a public viewing and time of gathering from 9:45-10:45 am prior to the service.