Pun Yon Phipps

Pun Yon Ko Phipps was born in South Korea on December 12, 1940. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 16, 2024, with her husband Kerry and his cousin Phyllis Elkins by her side. She was preceded in death by her Mother, Father, a Brother, and a Sister in South Korea; and Mother-In-Law Roma Stanley. Pun Yon is survived by Husband Kerry Phipps; Sister Chung Won French, Bean Station, TN; and Sister-In-Law Janice Mae Puckett. Kerry met Pun Yon in the service, and they started dating in 1964. They were married at the American Embassy in South Korea on July 30th, 1965. When she came to the United States, she would help Kerry with everything. She worked at the Clintwood Garment Factory for 15 years, until they closed. She then worked in the kitchen at the Clintwood Nursing Home for 3 years. She had her own fabric shop for 15 years, and then she worked in Duffield, VA at Tempur-Pedic for 8 years. Pun Yon retired in 2009. She had been a seamstress for almost everyone in Clintwood and many in Wise County. If you asked anyone in Clintwood, they would say Pun Yon had sewn or made something for them. She would make her own patterns the way the customer wanted it. She was a great seamstress. Not only did she do work for people in the area, but individuals from California would come back and get her to sew for them. She was that good, and they did not trust anyone else to do it. She was loved by all that knew her, and she always had a smile for you. Kerry and Pun Yon would go to car shows together and take the 1983 Olds. Both Kerry and Pun Yon belong to the Dickenson County Historical Society and their club called “Mountain People and Places”. The club traveled to many different locations and met at the Clintwood Library when trips weren’t scheduled. Kerry and Pun Yon belong to the Clintwood United Methodist Church and were baptized by Pastor Ronnie Mutter on September 18, 1994. Both of them worked at the CUMC Clothing Closet until she was unable to do so. They went everywhere together. Kerry, could tell you a lot of good things she did but that would take up a big book. Once while he was stationed in Colorado in the Army, she came out on a bus, riding 7 days and nights, to see him. She said she had only eaten one hotdog afraid that she would miss the bus if she got off. She had only been in the United States 5 months at that time. But, she came to Colorado to see Kerry by herself. She was a smart woman, and Kerry will miss her very much, until we meet again in Heaven. She is now at rest with Jesus. Kerry would like to thank his cousin, Phyllis Elkins for being here with him all the time, day and night. All he had to do was call, and she was there. Thank you, Mullins Funeral Home for all you’ve done. A Visitation will be held at Mullins Funeral Home Chapel in Clintwood, VA on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 5PM – 7PM with Reverend Shane Wallace officiating. The Funeral Service will be conducted on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 11AM in the Mullins Funeral Home Chapel in Clintwood, VA with Reverend Shane Wallace officiating. Burial will follow in the Phipps Memorial Cemetery in Clintwood, VA. A meal prepared by the Dickenson County Historical Society will be served after the funeral at the Clintwood Kiwanis Building. Pallbearers will be Brian Baker, Ron Kendrick, Larry Branham, Ron Kennedy, and David Davis. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rick Mullins, John Blanton, Curtis Deel, and Lynn Ray Phillips.

Pun Yon Phipps

December 12, 1940 - December 16, 2024