Somuthean Chay

Somuthean Houl Chay, age 71, of Fortson, Georgia, passed away on December 24, 2025 at 1:53 PM. She was born on June 21, 1954. A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM Saturday, December 27, 2025 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory.

Somuthean was known for her delicious homemade egg rolls—no one made them quite like her! They were famous among family, friends and became a symbol of her giving heart, generosity, and love. With her radiant smile and warm spirit, she had a way of making everyone feel cared for and at home. So many knew her simply as “Ma” or “Mom.” She was a mother not only to her own children, but to everyone around her. That is how deeply she was loved, and how naturally she loved others in return.

She loved traveling and enjoying the finest foods, especially lobster, Oriental cuisine, and hibachi. “Tasting gourmet around the world” was always on her bucket list. She also enjoyed going to the casinos, where she found excitement, laughter, and joy—often turning those trips into cherished memories.

Family was the center of Somuthean’s life. She was the rock that held everyone together and took great pride in bringing people together to celebrate accomplishments, holidays, and special moments. She loved hosting and eagerly planned every gathering, always making sure everyone felt welcome, fed, and loved.

Somuthean was a “jack of all trades.” She worked in numerous fields - from WC Bradley, Kodak Polychrome Graphics, Panasonic and more. But most importantly, daycares for many years and touched countless lives with her kindness, patience, and compassion. Children she cared for years ago still remember her, a true reflection of the lasting impact of her loving heart.

She is survived by her sons, Chantola Houl and Tommy Chay; her daughter, Tenny Ball; her son-in-law, Charles Ball; her daughters-in-law, Makara Houl and Tia Chay; and her grandchildren, Kyron Houl, Camila Sofia Montoto, Kaliyan Chay, Halana Houl, Ethan Houl, Caden Chay, and Bryanna Ball.

She is also survived by her sisters, Somuthida Houland Somuthy Khun; her brothers, Somuthoun Houl and Somuthonn Houl; her sisters-in-law, Song Ouk and Dyna Houl; her brothers-in-law, Sour Khun and Neang Chinn; her cousin Chanmony Lang and her husband Luckeda Lang; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 45 years, Yum Chay; her brother, Somuthol Houl; her parents Siem Kuy; and (grandfather’s name).

Somuthean’s giving heart, joyful spirit, legendary homemade egg rolls, and motherly love will be deeply missed. Though she may be gone, “Ma” will live on in every gathering she inspired and every heart she touched. She will be forever loved.