Sylvia R Gilliam Means, 81, of Spartanburg, SC entered in to rest on January 19, 2022. Sylvia was born on January 3, 1941 in Spartanburg County, SC to the late Irene Thomas Gilliam and Albert Gist. Sylvia was known for her love of God and devotion to her church and community. Mrs Means was a member of the New Hope Full Gospel Church of Spartanburg, SC. She was a member of the Northside Development Group, Stop the Violence, Northside Voyagers and previous president of the Cleveland/Northside Association. A seamstress by trade, Sylvia was talented in making clothes for all. After many years, she retired from the Fowler Brothers Cleaners. Her family will forever remember the family gatherings in the back yard, her love and compassion for others, and if you step out of line you may catch a swing from her cane or her favorite saying, “you want me to put foot to your rump” She is preceded in death by her parents: Irene and Albert; daughters: Barbara Richard Reed and Deborah Richard; sisters: Shirley Robinson and Margilene Means; brother: Leon Will Gilliam; and grandson: Zachary Smith She leaves to cherish loving memories; her husband: Michael Means of Spartanburg; son: Chunga Haki Matata AKA Lambert Richard (Henrietta) of Spartanburg; brothers: Carl Gilliam (Gina) and Larry Gilliam both of Spartanburg; sisters: Mary Rogers, Julia Mae Smathers (Tommy), Loretta Holcomb, Sheila Gilliam all of Spartanburg: Grandchildren: Albert Richard, Melissa Richard, Tiffany Richard, Kelly Richard, Sabrina (David) Manigult all of Spartanburg, Ashia (Ronald) Martin and Quottie Smith both of Charlotte, Shamane Halloway of Atlanta, Georgia. Eleven great- grandchildren, 3 great- great grandchildren, a special niece Miranda Gilliam of Spartanburg; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be held at New Hope Christian Church located at 717 North Liberty Street Spartanburg, SC 29303 on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 1:30 o’clock pm. Arrangements have been entrusted to J. W. Woodward Funeral Home. Please be sure to wear a mask at all times if attending the services.