Yu Ai Marcum

Mrs. Yu Ai (Aiko) Marcum (nee Chang) of San Diego, California went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on December 19, 2019, a month shy of her 85th birthday, joining her beloved husband, Virgil Marcum, in heaven. She was born on January 19, 1935 in Tamshui, Taiwan to Tong Chang and Sha Mai Chang (nee Zou).

Born during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, she went to Japanese school till 3rd grade when the effects of World War II interrupted her education and the family had to flee the cities to hide in the mountains because of the Allied bombing of Taiwan. In addition to her native Taiwanese, Aiko also became fluent in Japanese, Mandarin, and English. She learned the latter two languages when the Chinese and Americans arrived on Taiwan after the Second World War.

While working at the U.S. Navy Commissary Store, Aiko met Virgil in 1960 when he was stationed on Taiwan serving in the U.S. Navy. They got married in 1962 and moved back to Port Hueneme, California that same year where Aiko continued to work for the Navy Commissary. Their son Ming joined them in 1965. After Virgil retired from the Navy in 1969, he began working for the Navy Exchange which sent the family back to Taiwan in 1970. There they adopted Irene and Joe. The family was transferred to San Diego, California in November 1975 and Virgil and Aiko lived there until their passing in October 2018 and December 2019 respectively.

Aiko accepted Jesus as a young girl on Taiwan and had been a bold witness for Christ, volunteering for orphanage ministries and active at Calvary Baptist Church while on Taiwan. After moving to San Diego, she was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church of Mira Mesa for over 30 years, most recently teaming up with Virgil in the Senior Adults ministry. Virgil and Aiko later moved to join Joe & Jackie at a church plant in 4S Ranch, San Diego (Cloudbreak / GC2 Church) until they were unable to physically attend services. She was a faithful witness to whomever she came in contact with, leading many to the Lord. She had a heart for missions and had the gift of hospitality, often treating her guests with delicious multi-course Chinese cooking.

Aiko leaves behind an enduring legacy of faith and love for her family, whom she sacrificed so much of her time and resources. She was the 2nd of 10 children, 7 surviving. Since her older brother died as an infant, Aiko was left with the responsibility of the eldest child helping to raise and care for the entire family. Aiko was called and known as “Mommy” by many in her immediate and extended family because of her motherly love, care, and influence she had on the family.

Aiko will be remembered as a devoted daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Like many faithful Christians preceding her, Aiko has fought the good fight, has finished the race, and has kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to her on that day, and not only to her but also to all who have loved His appearing. Indeed well done My (Christ’s) faithful servant.

Aiko is survived by sons Ming Marcum (Marsha Isenhower), Joseph Marcum (Jackie); daughters Iona Padron (Roberto), Irene Morris (Glen); grandchildren Jennifer Leary (Alex), Timothy (Kelly), Jeremiah, and Joshua Marcum, Noah and Charisa Morris, Adrian, Jessica, Robert, Charles, and Michael Padron, Susana Aquilino; great grandchildren Paige and Sam Leary, Abigail and E. Virgileen Aquilino, Bennet, Ellen, Isabella, Sawyer, and Emmett Padron; brothers Kim-Tsung, Kim-Shan, and Kenny ; sisters Tsun-Day and Lay-King; and many nieces and nephews. Pre-deceased by her husband Virgil, parents, brothers, and grandson Sergio Padron.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 10 to 11 AM at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley (5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121). She will be laid to rest next to her husband Virgil at Miramar National Cemetery (gravesite visit will be for family and close friends).