Thelma Leong Yim
January 10, 1920 - December 5, 2025
Thelma was born on January 10,1920 in San Francisco Chinatown. She was first child follow by two sisters and two brothers. Her Father was businessman and her mother worked at clothing factory. After graduated from high school, Thelma worked for insurance company. She also joined Chinese Music Club where she played Chinese Harp.
In 1940, she and her friends involved political movement to stop U.S. selling scrape iron to Japan who murdered many Chinese Women and Children in China.
In 1947, Thelma met Vincent Yim. They married in 1948 and moved to Stockton to start the Temple Bell Shirts & Gift shop. She managed the store while Vincent made custom clothing for customers. Thelma also made Chinese outfit. In 1960, when one of her Chinese outfits was show at premier of the movie “The World of Suzie Wong” at Stockton Fox Theater. In 1968, one of Thelma’s friends talk her into getting a job at Stockton Library. Thelma worked at Stockton Library for 25 years before retiring. When Thelma and Vincent retired from the store in 1988, they started to travel many places and visited friends and family members.
She contributed cook book receipts at St. Marks Methodist Church. She had been participating Chinese Cooking at annual Spring Festival and Chinese New Years Festival for more than 10 years.
When Thelma was 103 years old, her caregiver company invited her to make a commercial and training video.
Thelma was survived by her son Johnny, daughter-in-law Donna, and Granddaughter Elyza.
SERVICES
Thelma's funeral will be held at Lodi Cherokee Memorial Park Evergreen Chapel (14165 Beckman Road, Lodi Ca 95240) on December 20, 2025. Viewing from 12:00 – 1:00 pm, services from 1:00 pm-2:30 pm. Reception 3:30 pm at China Palace Restaurant (5052 West Lane 4C, Stockton, CA. 95210)
Please no flowers. Donation make to St. Marks United Methodist Church
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Yim family.