Champa Kreng Sem

She was born in Cambodia on November 20, 1935. Cambodia was an agriculture-dependent economy and as such, her family had been farmers for generations. Times were very hard in this developing country, but she was tough and endured a lot as many others did. In the 1970s Cambodia suffered tragedy and genocide by the Khmer Rouge regime. She had the opportunity to escape the ongoing hardships and warfare that had taken over her country. She knew she had to leave her home for a better chance of survival. With the family of her eldest daughter (Samout) coming to America as refugees in 1979 first, Champa and her husband, Yin, followed soon after in 1981. Her son, Sangha (ex-wife, Phoeurn) and daughter, Chhath would also arrive as refugees in the years after.

Champa was an inspiration to everyone around her. To know her was to love her. She was the glue that held everyone together. Even though she had been through a lot in her life, she would never complain and lived her life with an appreciation for everything. Champa was very loving, affectionate and caring towards others. She would never let anyone go hungry and made sure friends and strangers alike were fed. She loved her family and her wish was always this, “be happy, healthy and successful.” She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Yin Sem.

Survivors include her children, Samout Yin (Sit Prak), Sangha Sem, Chhath Sem; grandchildren, Nary Richardson, Chirayuth “Kerry” Sit, Jack Yin, John Sem, Joe Sem, Mary Prak-Brown (Ethan Brown), Michael Chhitk, Alina Lynn (Derrick Keith), Pan Chhith (Sophann Som), Christy Lynn; great-grandchildren, Brianna Forte, Brandon Forte, Bileah Sit, Airicka Richardson, Allani Richardson, Cash Sem, Tucker Sem, AJ Sem, Shaun Sem, Nalanie Sem, Tegan Brown, Kian Brown, Destiny Ramsey, Braxton Chhitk, Amya Chhitk, Isabella Chhitk, Truth Chhitk, Khaiden Keith, Corbin Keith, Devin Keith, Caysin Lynn, Kai Som, So’Ren Som, Dylan Som, Skyler Som, Raidyn Som, Kayla Wigfall, Dmariun Lynn and great, great-grandchild, Silvia Som.

A celebration of life for Champa will be held at 5:00 pm on Saturday, August 19th, 2023 at Chattanooga Funeral Home – East Brainerd Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 5:00 pm prior to the service.

Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.