SoNyo Pak-Burleson (aka Bevley)

SoNyo Pak-Burleson (aka Bevley), 92, of Junction City KS passed away peacefully in the early morning hours, June 3rd, 2026. SoNyo was born November 30, 1933 in Incheon, South Korea; the second oldest of seven children (five sisters and one brother). She was born during the Japanese occupation and the challenges she faced grew into a sense of survival that would serve her throughout her life. SoNyo met George Leigh Burleson in Korea while he was serving in the Army; they married in 1956 and later welcomed their first son, Quinn (1958). The family was next stationed at Fort Leonardwood, MO in 1960 where they welcomed their second son, Leigh (1961) and a daughter Sonyo (1962). SoNyo later divorced but she remained dedicated to caring for her family. She spent the majority of her work years working under various contracts as a dining facility manager at Fort Riley, KS. SoNyo took pride in her work, no matter what the job was and she was known for her work ethic. Her reputation enabled her to help numerous people gain employment under different contracts for the dining facility; based solely on her recommendation. In 1989 SoNyo was involved in a car accident that left her in a coma for a three days. The accident changed the direction of the rest of her life and SoNyo’s zest to share God’s love became a part of who she is remembered as today. She became actively involved in the Korean United Methodist Church (KUMC) and remained dedicated for almost 40 years until she fell ill and later moved to Texas (2020). SoNyo’s commitment to sharing God’s love was also recognized within the National Association of Inter-Cultural Family Mission and for her time and service supporting the development of Peace Valley in St. Louis, MO in 1999. SoNyo enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends and family, sewing, gardening, and she enjoyed crocheting so much that she continued creating new items until she just could no longer perfect her own designs. SoNyo was also proud of her children, grandchildren and her extended family, referring to them as her rainbow family. SoNyo was proceeded in death by her ex-husband George L Burleson, son Quinn, and two sisters. She leaves behind her son Leigh Burleson, daughter Sonyo Graham; grandchildren Danielle Hallstron, Lindsey Burleson, Braden Burleson, Schylar Burleson, Marvin Madkins, Sterling Graham, and Sierra Leal; sons-in law Zach Hallstrom and Andrew Leal; 9 great grandchildren and many friends/extended family. She will remain in our hearts forever.