Kyung Sook Jewel Kim

Jewel was born in Seoul, Korea on September 4, 1934 to her late mother and father, Ok Sun Han and Tae San Kwun. She will be remembered lovingly by her husband of 65 years, Kyung Sik; children, Rosemary and Dong (Julie, daughter-in-law); siblings (and spouses), Kyung Mo Kwun (Julie), Kyung Min Kwun (Sharon), Irene Kim (the late Ban Hee), Joanne Isara (Paiboon), and Connie Sohn (Roger); 15 beloved nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

An exceptional scholar, Jewel graduated with top marks from Sam Yook Middle School, where she met her future husband at the age of 12. She started her nursing career at the Seoul Sanitarium and Hospital and subsequently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Dan Kook University. She also taught at the Seoul nursing school before immigrating to the states in 1962 to work at The Washington Sanitarium and Hospital (now Washington Adventist Hospital). Known for her quick wit and intellect, she was a favorite amongst patients throughout her career. Blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, she loved singing and playing the piano for church services. At the age of 14, Jewel and a group of her classmates were baptized in the Han River by Pastor James Lee. Set at the foot of the Acha Mountains, the baptism remained a deeply uplifting memory throughout her life. A devout Seventh Day Adventist, she and her husband, Kyung Sik, helped found the first Korean Seventh Day Adventist Church in the Washington, DC area. Jewel served as a deaconess and supported the Korean Adventist congregation throughout her life.

A private viewing will take place at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home (11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland) and a graveside memorial service will take place at George Washington Cemetery (9500 Riggs Road, Adelphi, Maryland). Regrettably, due to Covid-19 restrictions, services will be private and limited to immediate family members, we cannot gather to share a meal after the services.