Red Oak -

Yong Im "Nemi" Adams, age 87, passed away on July 27, 2021. She was born on January 15, 1934 in Pyeongtaek, South Korea to Mon Goo Me Kang and E. Poon Yong. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Jerry Adams; son, Robert Wayne Adams; daughter, Teresa Kim Winstead; and siblings, Kee Boo Nee Kang, Un Soo Kang, Un Bee Nee Kang, Un Soo Nee Kang, Un Cha Kang (Dyer) and an infant sibling.

She is survived by a loving family that includes her sons, Mike Adams (Susan) of Red Oak, John Adams (Tammy) of Rocky Mount and Dr. James Adams (Rence Eubank) of Rancho Mirage, CA; grandchildren, Robert W. Adams, Jr., Carim Jackson, T.J. Adams, Jade Moseley and Tyler Adams; great-grandchild, Raegan Adams; brother, Un Soo Kee Kang of Pyeongtaek, South Korea; along with many special friends and other extended relatives.

Life wasn't always easy for Yong.  Due to the oriental oppression of women in South Korea, she was unable to further her education beyond the 3rd grade.  She lived a hard life in a farming village and her struggles were heightened by the horrors of the Korean war which led to the death of her father, Mon Goo Me Kang.

She later met the love of her life, R.J. Adams and had their first child, Michael.  In March of 1959, they moved to the United States, leaving behind family and all things that had been familiar to Yong.  After settling in the United States and having to adjust to a different land and culture, she became a servant in the community and was involved in several local churches.  She served in various roles in Salem Community Baptist Church, Lighthouse Baptist Church, and Red Oak United Methodist Church.

Her favorite pastimes were the simple things in life, such as gardening and cooking for her family and friends.  She was a trendsetter, combining southern style Johnston County homestyle cooking with Korean cuisine.

Yong was known as an avid sports fan.  She enjoyed watching Carolina basketball, especially during the Dean Smith era.  In addition to basketball, she had a love for baseball at all levels.  Nothing compared to the love and joy when watching her children and grandchildren as they participated in band and sports.  She was the bane of many an umpire and game officials.  Often times she could be heard yelling "that's a strike" when her sons were pitching and "that's not a strike" followed by "what's a wrong with you, ump?" when they were batting. She will be deeply missed by friends and family alike.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Pineview Cemetery at 9:00 AM. The family will greet friends immediately following the service. The family respectfully requests that facial coverings be worn and to practice social distancing.