Ms. Wanda F. Brown

Ms. Wanda Faye Gilyard Brown was born on April 9, 1959 in Columbia, South Carolina to the late Alonzo and Lillie Mae Brown Gilyard, Sr. She departed this earthly journey on June 4, 2019 at her home.

Wanda spent her early life in the State Park Community in Columbia, South Carolina.  She attended the public schools of Richland County School District Two, graduating from Spring Valley High School.  At an early age, she attended Zion Canaan Baptist where her mother made sure her children attended faithfully.

Wanda was employed by Richland County School District Two and the South Carolina Department of Mental Health at the State Hospital on Bull Street.  She dedicated her life to her family and her loved ones.  She was a mother-figure to many people. She leaves behind a legacy of love and friendship which will truly be missed by her family and friends.        

In addition to her parents, Wanda was preceded in death by her two brothers, Alonzo Gilyard, Jr. and Johnny Lee Gilyard who departed his earthly journey two days prior of her passing. 

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her former husband and friend, Charles Brown, Jr.; two sons, Antwan (Larrene) Gilyard and Charles (Mary Ellen) Brown, III; one daughter, Ziyain Brown; ten grandchildren, Sha’Kayla, Xiomar, Sincere, Melody, McKenzie, Kaylynn, Jayce, Ivyanna, Serenity and Abrielle; three brothers, Larry, Roosevelt (Marguette), and Ricky (Mary); three sisters, Ginger (Ronald) Benjamin, Willie Mae (Alfred) Hammonds, Gloria Gilyard all of Columbia, SC; one uncle, Raymond Gilyard of Brooklyn, NY; one aunt,  Loretta Garvin, of Branchville, SC; one sister-in-law, Pat Gilyard, of Columbia, SC; three aunts-in-law: Arletha and Erma Gilyard, both of Brooklyn, NY and Angie Gilyard, of Charleston, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. 

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