PUYALLUP, Wash. — Saturday morning in Puyallup, neighbors gathered to honor a longtime anchor in the community.
Soon Ja Nam owned and operated the Handy Corner Store in town. She was shot and killed during a robbery last weekend.
“Mrs. Nam, Soon Ja was a very humble person, a very humble person,” the pastor told the gathered crowd.
Nam was laid to rest at Woodbine Cemetery, not far from the store. Many shared their memories of her – from floating them on payment until a check arrived, to sharing pieces of candy with children.
“I’m a whole lot richer for having had her in my life,” said Daniel Peyton. “And I will so miss her.”
16-year-old Robbrie Thompson has been arrested and charged as an adult with her murder. The body of second teenage suspect washed up near Tacoma this week.
Nam’s son Tohan thanked everyone for their support.
“You guys kept her like your own mom,” he said. “Gave her the friendship she needed. We don’t have many family members, but you guys were my mom and dad’s family.”
“Because you guys loved her and talked about her so much, we were able to capture her killer,” he added.
Wellwishers laid flowers on her casket at the close of the ceremony.
“I do want to thank you for making this tragedy into happiness,” Tohan Nam said. “Let’s not talk about her death – let’s celebrate her life.”