Sun Cha Yi's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Sun Cha Yi
1938 – 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sun Cha Yi, who left us peacefully on July 21, 2025, at the age of 87. Surrounded by her loving family at her home in Glen Allen, Virginia, she departed this life just as she lived it - with grace, strength, and love.
Sun Cha was born in 1938 in Gimcheon, South Korea, where she spent her early years raising her seven beloved children - four daughters and three sons. She was a woman of remarkable resilience, nurturing her family with unwavering devotion and boundless care. Later in life, she moved to Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Ki Son Yi, and their three sons to begin a new chapter in the United States. After her husband’s passing, she moved to Glen Allen to be closer to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, continuing to be the heart of the family across generations.
She had a deep passion for vegetable gardening and could often be found joyfully tending to her plants throughout the day. Her garden was not only her sanctuary, but a source of nourishment and joy that she lovingly shared with family and friends. Her cooking was equally treasured - especially her homemade Korean dishes, which she often paired with her surprising later-in-life favorite: KFC fried chicken, always with a side of kimchi.
Sun Cha’s greatest joy came from her family. Her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was limitless. Her honesty, her playful spirit, and her passion for happiness will be forever missed and remembered.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and strength. The lessons she taught us will remain etched in our hearts.
Sun Cha is survived by her brother Chang Baek Kim and sisters Young Ja Kim and Gyoung Ja Kim; daughters Pong Sun Stuart, Moon Hee Yi, Jung Hee Yi, and Mi Hyang Davis; sons Sung Jae Yi, Sung Uk Yi, and Sung Hwan Yi; grandchildren Billie Stuart, Robert Stuart, Sun Myung Kim, Jin Hwan Kim, Young Chan Kim, Young Woo Kim, Miso Dutton, Joshua Yi, Jasmine Yi, Joanna Yi, Sang Hyo Yi, Sang Yul Yi, and Sang Hu Yi; and great-grandchildren Alex Kellogg, Kylee Nunnery, Victoria Cantu, Soo Bin Yi, Gyuri Kim, Jiwon Kim, Stephen Dutton Jr., Dominic Dutton, Bentley Dutton, and Baylee Dutton.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ki Son Yi.
A celebration of Sun Cha Yi’s life will be held on July 29, 2025, at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and honor the beautiful life she lived. Sun Cha will be laid to rest beside her husband in The Garden of Memories, where they will be together again.
She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
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