Psalm 84:2
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.

Celia H. Yu, age 92, a long-time resident of Annapolis, Maryland, entered into her Savior's presence on July 28, 2023, at Belmont Village in Carol Stream, IL.  Celia was born in Shanghai, China on March 10, 1931.  She attended high school in Nanjing, China and attended Ginling College (a sister college to Smith college of Northampton, MA).  In 1948, due to wartime unrest, Celia transferred to Taiwan University, not knowing that she would not see her parents until 30 years later.  While in Taiwan, she received a Billy Graham pamphlet, responded to a pastor's (Oswald Quick) alter call, and surrendered her life to Jesus.

In 1953, Celia arrived in the United States after a 17-day journey on the SS Wilson. She entered graduate school at Mercer University in Macon, GA and Miami University of Ohio where she received her master's degree in English.   In 1956, she married Jimmy S.K. Yu and lived in Massachusetts until moving to Annapolis, MD in 1965 with their four children.  Celia was a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis for over 50 years where she used her gift of hospitality (including great cooking) as she and Jimmy welcomed international students, Naval Academy midshipmen, and hosted countless Bible studies in their home.  She and Jimmy were married 47 years when he died April 4, 2002.

Throughout her life, she looked for every opportunity to share her personal testimony of God's sovereign presence during her life in China and her journey to the United States.  She shared many inspiring stories and turned every conversation toward Jesus.  His impact on her life was evident to all who knew her, and her gentle spirit was a tangible example of Christ's love for others. Her children and grandchildren will remember her for her fervent prayers for them and her consistent study of the scriptures.  She was also known for her smile and kindness to the wonderful, caring staff at Belmont Village.  Celia loved to read, write, and study literature, history, and theology.  She also enjoyed her church, her family, cooking, travel, and the writings of C.S. Lewis.

Celia is survived by her four children: Caroline (Robert) Fijan of Westchester, PA, Cynthia  (Timothy) Kremann of Arnold, MD, Michael Yu of Annapolis, MD, and Sharon (Phil) Ziesemer of West Chicago, IL; and eleven grandchildren: Bobby (Bethany) Fijan, Elise (Nathan) Vickery, Andrew (Kat) Fijan, Julia (Bryan) Anderson, Beverly (Jeremy) Weber, Lauren (Shane) Jacobus, Kimmy (Jonathan) Masser, Amanda (Jack) Graham, Megan Ziesemer, Philip (Taylor) Ziesemer and Christian Ziesemer; and thirteen great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law Peter (Vickie) Yu of Albuquerque, NM; and numerous nephews and nieces in the United States and Canada. She was preceded in death by her husband Jimmy, parents and two siblings.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, 710 Ridgely Avenue, Annapolis, MD  21401.

Celia requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be directed to Christ Presbyterian Church-Safe Families Ministry, 903 E Nerge Road, Roselle, IL  60172.