We are so fortunate to have one of Steve's watercolor originals and several of his prints. We met Steve through Mr. Joe at Wah Nam’s restaurant were we ate almost every weekend for a very long time.

I was at Steve's studio in mid-town and saw the "spider" painting and loved it. It took at least a year of begging to get Steve to part with it! 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  May God provide you with His strength, comfort and peace.

I am one of Steve's first cousins. My father, Danny and his father, Harry were brothers. When Steve first immigrated to the USA, we all lived together in one house in Greenville, Ms. Steve and  his dad, my father and mom, two sisters, two uncles and grandfather.  Steve is 11 years older than I and I was quite young when he arrived in the USA; probably 4-5 years young. I remember Steve and looked up to him as a big brother; he was talented and adventurous! I envied his talents drawing and sketching and even had Maxine Holcomb (his mentor and guardian angel) as an art teacher in elementary school. Unfortunately,  I didn't  possess the same level of talent as Steve, and after elementary school, my artistic skills diminished. 
I remember Steve's many regional and national awards and was quite proud of him.
Our lives took different paths as we grew up and left home. However, I was always so proud of Steve and his accomplishments and would not hesitate (when his name was mentioned) to proudly to say that he was "MY" cousin!
Steve maintained his connections with his uncles and cousins in Mississippi and we always welcomed his infrequent return visits. He was treated with honor on these visits  with home cooked meals and  often included a fishing trip or two with my father, Danny Yee and/or Uncle Bill. He loved fishing and designed and crafted many of his own lures. Quite crafty!
Our collective families were always proud of Steve and his accomplishments and own several of his watercolor pieces.
Steve touched and influenced many lives and he is missed. His gentle, nurturing and loving personality will not be forgotten.  It is a fitting remembrance of Steve and his legacy. May he rest in peace.

I recall the conversations we had on Friday nights at FCBC-Memphis. One in particular was when he owned a VW van and had engine problems, so VW went as far and replacing the VW engine with a Porsche engine to hopefully get his satisfaction and it would go and definitely got his satisfaction.

I would skip class to go fishing and did not do my project for art school, so my professor introduced me to Steve Yee, telling him that we had lots in common except he did his homework. This was the start of a lifelong friendship that ended yesterday. Steve was family, a brother, teacher, the best artist. I gained much from our friendship. Rest in peace, and in my next life, we'll wet a line!

I would skip class to go fishing and did not do my project for art school, so my professor introduced me to Steve Yee, telling us that we had lots in common except Steve did his homework. This was the start of a lifelong friendship that ended last week. Steve was family, a brother, teacher, the best artist. I gained much from our friendship. Rest in peace, and in my next life, we'll wet a line!

Steve was a good friend, with whom I got better acquainted during the last few years. A gentle, thoughtful, very observant fellow - Steve still seemed to possess the spirit of an artist in some ways. It was always nice conversing with him and hearing him share some of his many experiences.  My best memory with him was in taking him to the Memphis Zoo on their Senior Day. I just thought he might enjoy getting out of the house for a while to get some fresh air and sunshine. He said he had not been to the zoo in more than 50 years and was really impressed by how much it had changed. That was a good day; a very memorable and enjoyable day with my friend Steve.  - Donald Moy

My condolence to the family/friend. Knowing that Mid-South community loss of a great artist. May he Rest In Peace.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Yee. We had great conversations when I went to the Chinese First Baptist Church on Friday night dinners with Laura, You were so kind. Praying for your family.  You will be missed. 

My favorite memories of Steve are the ones that helped shape who I am today. Steve is the most amazing and inspiring person I have ever met in my whole life. He has been a role model to me since I was a child. He taught me about balance in nature and to respect it. Inspired me to create art all through my life. I have an obsession with gardening thanks to him. He taught me how to fish, how to ride a bike. He told stories all the time and had amazing taste in tea. It didn't matter how many times in my life I may have heard the same story I would listen again and I will miss his stories. Through his stories I learned about camping and even how to just be a good person to others. He was so patient with me and kind to me and helped me see the world from different eyes. He wouldn't ever tell me I should or shouldn't do something, he would just tell me a story and I learned more from that than anyone else in my life. I was so scared of spiders as a kid and he told me he never killed insects in his house, he would catch and release because he would hate to be lost in the woods and something to come along and kill him just for existing and then he went on to tell me how beneficial spiders were to the environment and now I tell others that as well. I remember being scared of his kombucha when I was a kid because I thought he had an alien in a jar on his counter. His stories about healing with food and health inspired a healing path in my own life as well. He has been my number one inspiration in my life and I am so thankful of him. We were not family but he treated me like I was. I called him Uncle Steve and I will always love him. 

When I was asked to help Steve Clean up a few things in his yard, I had know idea what all he needed. This was a couple of years ago when Kevin Yee brought Steve by my home on his way to see Steve's Dr.  I didn't realy know what to think of Steve at the time. He was quiet and reserved. He did carry a smile and I felt a warmth from his way. As time would have it, Kevin invited me once again to Steve's House , this time I couldn't refuse and Im so glad I did. 
This was when I realized who Steve is, THE ARTIST,  .... I remember Steve now, from a show or somwthing maybe the news. I realy can't remember that far back although his appearance so well distinguished and originally  genuine , there was no doubt if whom I have become friends with such a wonderful well spirited man. Having been accepted into his life brought such priceless pleasure. 
After several months of cleaning his yard , his neighbor spoke and said you've  been busy for a while now and this is the first I've ever seen Steve's House ! 
Steve was a naturalist and he brought out the admiration i rarely would give to anyone. 
Steve Yee may your spirit carry on into the heart &; lives of those close to you and far away. Your talent for art placed you among lagacys of a legendary Artist.
I miss you already my friend!






OBITUARY

Steve Jum Yee

July 29, 1934 – February 22, 2022

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