Soonja "June" French

Soonja Kim “June” French lived a full and vibrant life. She had a smile that was contagious, and a laugh that sparked joy in those lucky enough to experience it. She was born on February 23, 1927, to Buddhist priest Jong Dae Kim and Myung Song Lee in Japanese-occupied Uijeongbu, Korea. Soonja was the second oldest of 12 siblings. She enjoyed playing with and watching over her 6 sisters and 5 brothers at home. Soonja also enjoyed working in her family’s bookstore.

During World War II, Soonja became a labor service worker for the Japanese Navy in Chinhae, South Korea. She developed blueprints for the Bureau of Public Works until the end of the war. After Korea’s independence, Soonja continued her education at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea. On July 2, 1949, she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Oriental Arts. While working as a high school art teacher, the Korean War began. She left teaching to work at the United States 8th Army Post Office in Pusan, Korea. During the war, she met her future husband Master Sergeant Harold Taylor French while working as his secretary. They were married on April 14, 1954.

Soon after marriage, Soonja and Harold transferred to Fort Lewis Base in Tacoma, Washington. Soonja became a naturalized U.S. citizen on July 12, 1956. While stationed in Washington, she gave birth to her two eldest children- Beverly and James. Two years later, Harold transferred to the military base in Frankfurt, Germany. In Germany, Soonja gave birth to her two youngest children- Barbara and John. In 1959, Harold and Soonja transferred to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas where Soonja French accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at Emanuel Baptist Church on Easter Sunday 1959.

When Harold retired from the army, they moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, as their permanent home. Soonja’s family became members of Grand Avenue Baptist Church on August 16, 1964. Soonja and Harold opened a Photography and Art studio together. Harold shot family portraits while Soonja painted portraits. They closed the studio so Harold could work for the Southwest Times Record Newspaper as a photographer, and Soonja went to work at Gerber Baby Foods. Harold passed on February 1, 1978. Soonja continued to work for Gerber Baby Foods Manufacturing Plant for 24 years and retired on July 1, 1992.

Soonja filled her retirement years with activity. She was an avid bowler and an active member of her church. She enjoyed all aspects of art. She was known to always be working on some kind of knitting or painting. She was also wonderful at sewing, crocheting, pottery work, and folding origami. Soonja was an amazing cook, and her family loved her Oriental meals. She enjoyed collecting elephant figurines (with trunk up not down!) and working in her house and yard. Soonja was a member of the VFW for more than 30 years. She also enjoyed travelling with her children all over the world. More than anything, Soonja loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Soonja was preceded in death by her parents, many of her siblings, and her husband Harold. She is survived by all her children: Beverly French Taylor of Shell Knob, MO, James (Laura) French of Dallas, TX, Dr. Barbara (Mark) French-Boatright of Pensacola, FL, and John (Woo) French of Clinton, MO. Soonja was blessed with 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren

Visitation will be 9:30 AM Friday, January 20, 2023, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Funeral Service to follow at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at Fort Smith National Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to: Heart of Hospice, or Grand Avenue Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com