Yong Sun Lewis

Yong Sun Lewis, lovingly known as “Emo”, was born on November 20, 1947, in Pyongyang, North Korea. She came from a family of wealth and status, but her early years were profoundly shaped by war and sacrifice. As the Korean War escalated, her family made the difficult decision to flee to South Korea, leaving behind everything they knew in search of safety and a new beginning.

Despite the hardships of war, Emo’s family remained strong, instilling in her the values of perseverance, loyalty, and deep care for others. Even as a child, she was known for her kind and patient nature, always looking after her younger brother. She often carried him on her back from school, ensuring he was safe and cared for, always placing her family's needs above her own. She also longed to be by her older sister’s side, even when her sister tried to leave her behind. But Emo never gave up—her resilience and unwavering love would become defining traits throughout her life.

In 1976, she married Tommy L. Lewis in Seoul, Korea, and they soon moved to Georgia, where he was stationed in the U.S. Army. Later, Emo found a deep and lasting love with William M. Davis, whom she affectionately called Mack. Though life took them on different paths, her love for family never wavered. She embraced her role as a devoted aunt, pouring her heart into raising her nieces and nephews, becoming a pillar of strength, love, and guidance in their lives.

Emo built a remarkable career, dedicating over 30 years as an Import Customs Specialist. She had an expert understanding of U.S. customs laws and regulations, working with precision and integrity. She began her career at Federal Express Corporation in 1990 before joining Sanrio in South San Francisco in 2001, where she remained until her retirement in 2020. Her expertise in import laws, customs regulations, and documentation analysis made her a respected and valued professional in her field. She managed customer relations, ensured compliance with U.S. regulations, and conducted inspections of goods, even seizing illegal items to be turned over to law enforcement. She had a keen ability to detect fraudulent data, making her an invaluable asset to her company. She took great pride in her work and her dedication made her a trusted leader and mentor to many.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, cooking was one of Emo’s greatest passions. She took on a part-time job as a chef at a popular restaurant in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset district, where she was known for her incredible gimbap and kimchi. Every holiday, she lovingly prepared gimbap for family, friends, and neighbors as a gesture of love and appreciation.

Emo also had a deep love for running. She was a fierce competitor, often outpacing younger athletes at the gym. She ran the Bay to Breakers for fun and was a daily runner at Lake Merced, until doctors warned her that pavement running was wearing down her knees and ankles. Even then, she adapted and continued walking 7 to 10 miles a day through Guadalupe Canyon Parkway, proving that nothing could keep her from the things she loved.

Though she was dedicated to her career and personal passions, family always came first. When her sister was diagnosed with cancer, Emo became her caregiver, standing by her side until her final days. Later, when their mother fell ill with dementia, Emo took her into her home, caring for her with unwavering love and patience. She remained her mother’s rock until the very end. Even after these heartbreaking losses, she continued her lifelong role as the family’s caretaker, looking after her younger brother until the tragic day of her accident.

In November 2024, Emo was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and faced it with the same strength and determination that defined her life. She approached her treatments with grace and perseverance, continuing to live life on her own terms. On January 21, 2025, Emo was involved in a tragic accident while on her morning walk. She sustained severe brain injuries and, despite receiving medical care, she succumbed to her injuries on January 28, 2025, leaving behind a family who adored her and a legacy of love, sacrifice, and strength.

Emo was more than an aunt, a sister, or a daughter – she was a second mother, a guiding light, and a constant source of warmth. Stubborn in her ways but always ready to sacrifice for others, she was the person everyone could count on. She loved unconditionally, embracing her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children. To her great-nieces and great-nephews, she was "Gomo Har-mal-ni", a grandmother in all the ways that mattered.

She is preceded in death by her father, To Su Kim, her mother, Tok Sil Pak (2013), and her sister, Yong Son Payton (2010). She leaves behind her beloved brother, Yong Nam Kim and her former brother-in-law, Earnest Edward Payton, Sr. Emo was a devoted aunt to her niece, Samantha Payton Cotton (Crandall) of Bowie, Maryland, and her nephews, Hyun Joong Kim (Chong) of Anchorage, Alaska and Earnest Edward Payton, Jr. (Martine) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She was also a cherished great-aunt to Cierra Roselle Cotton (33), Korey Edward Cotton (25), Sun-Vivian Ju Kim (21), Kendrick Crandall Cotton (20), Sun-Valery Ji Kim (18), Sun-Joshua Min Kim (14), Sun-Noah Woo Kim (8), Sophia Grace Payton (8), and Daniel Edward Payton (6). In addition to her immediate family, she leaves behind dear friends and extended family members who will forever miss her warmth, love, and unwavering presence.

Emo’s life was a testament to sacrifice, resilience, and deep love. She gave selflessly, nurtured tirelessly, and loved wholeheartedly. Her grace shone through in every moment, and her unwavering patience carried her through life’s greatest challenges. As a true shepherd at heart, she cared for her family with compassion, humility, and steadfast devotion. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to be loved by her. Her legacy is beautifully reflected in the words of 1 Peter 5:2-4, reminding us that those who watch over others with love and humility receive a crown of glory that will never fade.

1 Peter 5:2-4

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.