Kimmie Lee Tie

Kimmie was an only child and came from a very humble background, growing up in Taishan, China. In 1948, at the age of 17, she married the late Edward Jung Tie and moved to Newport News, Virginia. In the United States, she adapted to a new life and culture and gave birth to their four children.

In 1957, Kimmie and Ed moved their family to Raleigh after purchasing The Canton Café located on Hillsborough Street. For many years, it was the only Chinese restaurant in the Triangle area. The Canton was a favorite spot for politicians, business people, and students from local colleges and universities. They owned and operated the restaurant for 20 years, retiring in 1977.

Kimmie and Ed were devoted ACC sports fans, particularly NC State football and basketball. They traveled on bus tours and cruises to many places across the United States and around the world, such as Beijing, Rome, and Brussels. In 1996, they funded a community shelter built in the middle of their hometown village in China to create a gathering place. They were devoted members of Raleigh Chinese Christian Church, where Kimmie was baptized in 2002. Kimmie and Ed shared 61 loving years of marriage until his passing in 2009.

In 2016, Kimmie’s life story and recipes were featured in a special exhibit, “Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy: Stories of Chinese Food and Identity in America,” sponsored by the Museum of Chinese in America in New York City. She was one of 34 Chinese and Asian American pioneering chefs, restaurateurs, and home cooks showcased in the exhibition.

Kimmie always expressed her love by caring for others, whether through her generosity, the gifts of her time and affection, or her famous egg rolls and other Chinese specialties. Family was of utmost importance to her. She always prioritized being present for her family’s major milestone events—graduations, weddings, and births—as well as the everyday moments—Sunday night dinners, school events, and recitals. Her house was ‘Celebration Central’ for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and she relished those opportunities for everyone to gather.

Kimmie was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Ed. God has blessed her over the years. In addition to managing a successful business, Kimmie wanted to have a big family—and her dream came true. She is survived by daughter Glenda Tie Standley (Larry), daughter Brenda Tie Wing (Richard), son Samuel Tie (Brenda), and daughter Ramona Tie Litowsky (Ken). Also missing their Yinyin/Popo are her loving grandchildren: Nathan Standley (Christi), Alison Wing Brody (Donald), Nina Tie Ragot (Thomas), Jenna Tie Brown (Jac), Andrew Tie (Maggie), Emilee Litowsky Holt (AJ), and Adam Litowsky (Courtney). Twelve wonderful great-grandchildren who adored her completed her family.

A celebration of Kimmie’s life will be held on Saturday, October 11. The family will receive friends at 12:00 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. and immediately followed by a graveside service at Raleigh Memorial Park, where she will be laid to rest next to Ed and close to her mother. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Raleigh Chinese Christian Church, 520 Allen Lewis Drive, Cary, NC 27513.