Sam Ye "Kim" Crofford

Sam Ye "Kim" Crofford, age 89, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, in Monticello, Arkansas.

Known to her family and friends simply as Kim, she was born on March 23, 1937, in Gangwon-do, South Korea, to Kim Won-so and Chae Sang-sun.

Kim spent her childhood in Gangwon-do and Jipyong before moving to Dongducheon, where she worked at Camp Casey, a United States Army installation in South Korea. It was there, in 1974, that she met the love of her life, Albert "Danny" Crofford. Their chance meeting began a remarkable journey together, and they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage until Danny's passing in 2022.

In 1978, Kim made the courageous decision to leave her homeland and begin a new life in the United States. She proudly became a United States citizen in 1981, embracing her new country while never forgetting the heritage, values, and traditions that shaped her.

Kim was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished mother-in-law, proud grandmother, beloved sister, treasured sister-in-law, adored aunt, and loyal friend. She found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved. Her gentle heart and steadfast faith were evident in the way she lived each day.

She is survived by her son, Danny-Joe Crofford, and daughter-in-law, Amy Suzanne

Crofford, of Little Rock; her grandchildren, Andrew David Crofford, Caelyn Wedgeworth Higgins, Preston Drew Somers, William Cole Somers, and Austin Joseph Wedgeworth, all of Little Rock.

She is also survived by her brother, Kim Yong-deok and his wife Ji Soon-ae of Incheon, South Korea; her brother-in-law, Mike Crofford and his wife, Sandra of Star City; her sisters-in-law, Jeon Hye-soon of Jipyong, South Korea, Naomi Crofford of Lewisville, Texas, and Justine Crofford of Calera, Oklahoma; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the United States and South Korea.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband, Danny; and her brothers, Kim Yong-ku, Kim Yong-chul and Kim Sam-yong.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Kim's niece, Susan Nethercutt, for the extraordinary compassion, kindness, and loving care she provided during Kim's final days. Her unwavering support was a true blessing and brought great comfort to Kim and her entire family.

Kim will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering devotion to her family, gentle spirit, and the courage that carried her across continents in pursuit of a life built on love and hope. Though her earthly journey has ended, the legacy of her kindness, resilience, and enduring love lives on in her grandchildren and the family and friends who were blessed to know her.

A memorial service celebrating Kim's life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Church, 2801 South Olive Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

After a lifetime of love, devotion, and sacrifice, Kim and Danny will once again be together. Kim will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Arlington National Cemetery, fulfilling their shared wish to be reunited for eternity.