Hannah Paeng

Hannah Paeng, born Chung Ja Lee, came into this world on March 1, 1941, the fourth of nine children. After providentially surviving the Korean War as a child, Hannah spent forty days in the hospital with a high fever. After praying, though largely unfamiliar with Christianity, she recovered. At the age of 17, Hannah was given two books that radically transformed her life. The first book advocated a plant-based diet, which Hannah followed and regained her health. The second book explained end time events, and Hannah joined the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church as a result of reading the book. 

After marrying Henry Paeng, Hannah relocated to the countryside to pursue a simple life in preparation for the Second Coming. She and Henry had two children, Susan and Andrew. In 1977 the Paeng family left Korea for Paraguay, and in 1983 immigrated to the United States, where Chung Ja officially became Hannah. Hannah was committed to her faith and lived what she believed through her dedication to self-sustained country living, healthful eating, and involvement in ministry. 

Hannah faithfully spent a few minutes in worship every morning and evening. Whether she was alone or with a group, she sang a hymn, read a spiritual thought, and closed with another hymn and prayer. She loved to sing hymns and knew most hymns by heart. She lived her entire life with the expectation that Jesus was soon to come, and that she must be ready.

Hannah’s lifelong desire was to ensure that her immediate family prepared themselves for the return of Jesus Christ. Her parents and all of her siblings that survived to adulthood joined the SDA church.

Hannah fell asleep in Jesus on January 2, 2022. She is survived by her children Andrew (wife Lauren) and Susan (husband Doug), granddaughter Erika, and two sisters. Hannah’s husband, parents, and seven siblings preceded her in death. 

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Benton Seventh-day Adventist Church, with Pastor Chris Anderson and Pastor Joe Cooper officiating.  Interment will follow at the church cemetery with her family serving as pallbearers.

Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service at the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.