Ok Cha Kim (Kim L Davis) departed her earthly home on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, after an extended illness. Kim lived what seems like many journeys in her lifetime, which began in Taegu City, South Korea, on Oct. 8, 1938. Born to parents Yong Yi Kim and Ke Su Kim, Kim met her first love, Charles Black, Sr., while he was stationed in South Korea as a sergeant in the U. S. Army. The two married shortly thereafter, moved to America, and began writing their story of love, sacrifice, struggle, and finally success.
The blessings of their union continued in the birth of their four children, Kim Eapeanaw Smith of Lawrenceburg, TN, Charles Edward Black, Jr., (Becky) of Anchorage, AK, Michael Joseph Black (Angie) of Leoma, TN, and John Paul Black of Leoma, TN. Kim later met and married Donald Robert Roth, Jr., with whom she has spent the past 9 loving years. Don was a loving caregiver for his beloved wife and spent her last days by her side, and in her words, “he treated her like a queen.”
Not only was Kim a loving wife and mother, she doted on her 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Her grandchildren include Brian Baker (Jennifer), Karrah Hearns, Meigan Fautanu (Fam), Stephan Black (Lidia), Kyle Baker (Amanda), Korey Bigelow, Carson Black (Ashli), Macy Black (Jorel), Stanton O’guin, Jordan Haislip (Eric), Ian Black, and Greyson Jett Black.
Kim never met a stranger and was light, love, and laughter to everyone who knew her. To know her was to know love in its purest sense. Her passing leaves a hole in our lives that can never be filled, but the memories she gave us will last forever. Goodbye for now to our beautiful “Korean Grandma.”
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, October 06, 2023, and from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 07, 2023, with Jeff Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Crossroads Cemetery in Lawrence County, TN. The family suggests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society.
