Chong Sun Kim, 68, of O’Fallon, Ill., passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, July 29, 2026 with her daughters and son-in-law by her side following a long battle with cancer. Chong was born November 15, 1957 in South Korea and spent her childhood in the Korean countryside among many siblings before immigrating to the United States in the 1980s.
Chong deeply treasured her family. She often stated that her dream in life was to be a mother and homemaker - all she wanted to do was to be available to help her family and friends. Fittingly, she could often be found doing something to help others - whether it be by cooking, cleaning, loving on their pets, or simply saying what others could not. Her faith was also her passion. She attended church multiple times a week if she was able and watched the live-stream sermon if she was not, and she was often seen reading her Bible throughout her home. Knowing she was going to Heaven brought her joy in her final moments, and she would want everyone to find comfort in her peace versus sadness in her passing.
Chong leaves behind two daughters Christy and Monica Metzger, a son-in-law Michael Whitty, three grandchildren Emily Metzger, Brinley Stratman, and Brooks Stratman, many family members in Korea, and a church congregation that became her family. She also leaves a legacy of selflessness, and her strong Korean pride will forever be passed down in generations to come.
A public visitation will be held on Friday, Aug 14, 2026 from 5:00-6:00 pm at Southern Illinois Jesus Baptist Church, 4 Phillips Drive, Fairview Heights, IL 62208. A private Celebration of Life will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions in her honor, which will be divided amongst the two things she treasured most - her grandchildren and her church. Donations may be made at the visitation or electronically at https://everloved.com/life-of/chong-kim.
Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill., www.wfh-ofallon.com, is serving the family.
