Vaneyene Symathong

Vaneyene “Vonnie” Symathong was a loving mother, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly on May 31, 2023 at age 47 in Alexandria, Virginia. She was born to Xom and the late Tia Symathong on April 7, 1976. She immigrated from Laos to the United States with her brother, Dene, and parents in 1981. She was educated in the Arlington and Alexandria City Public School systems and graduated from T.C. Williams High School in 1995. After completing one year at Northern Virginia Community College, Vonnie gained employment at Chevy Chase Bank, from October 1997 to August 2002, as a Systems Administrator in the Consumer Lending Division. In October 2002, she transitioned to Cardinal Bank as a Credit Administration Officer and worked there for almost 21 years. Coworkers said she was always smiling and happy and pleasant to be around and would always do what it took to get the job done. She continued her role at John Marshall Bank in 2022. Vonnie ended her career as a Loan Administrator at Trustar Bank. In December of 1998, Vonnie and her boyfriend of 6 years, Kevin Mooney, had their child, Tyra Symathong. She committed herself to caring and providing for her daughter. She constantly emphasized the importance of education and community, which turned fruitful as she took pride in her daughters’ academic and work achievements. After being separated for 5 years, Vonnie met retired Alexandria Police Sergeant Stafford Farmer-Lee in October of 2002. They married in 2004 and divorced in 2007. In her early life, Vonnie was devoted to her church, Arlington Forest United Methodist church, where she faithfully attended Sunday School and was a member of the youth and adult bell and vocal choirs. She became president of the church youth group in 1994. She also was an active student in the T.C. Williams Junior ROTC and cheer team. In her free time, Vonnie loved cooking, dancing, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. She had a natural way of connecting with people. It was her joy to get to know people and their families and to introduce them to her passion for cooking and her favorite Thai meals. Preceding Vonnie in death was her father, Tia Symathong. Vonnie is survived by her daughter, Tyra, and her brother, Dene.

Tributes

Vaneyene Symathong

April 7, 1976 - May 31, 2023