Sylvia Means Obituary in Spartanburg at J.W. Woodward Funeral Home

Obituary For Sylvia Means

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.

Photos & Video

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

Please rest in peace Aunt Sylvia.-CM

I'M VERY GRATEFUL FOR SHE HAS DONE HELPING ALL FROM EVERY COMMUNITY. NORTHSIDE HAS BEEN UPGRADED AGAIN I'M VERY GRATEFUL FOR HER CONTRIBUTIONS. REST WITH HONOR MRS SYLVIA MEANS. AND MY CONDOLENCES 😇 TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SINCERELY, STAY STRONG

Please accept my deepest condolences to you over the loss of your grandmother . I offer you my heartfelt support and friendship in this difficult time.
LeAndra Brooks

Deepest condolences Brenda Brannon Campbell

Sylvia, was the model for serving our community. She would go when she didn't feel like going. She would make you laugh. She was a soldier for what she believed in, She will be missed. Keep your eyes on all of us, & when we don't want to go give a nudge to get it. My friend / My neighbor
Linda Askari

From the day I was born My grandmother(Great Grandmother) Sylvia Means was the person that saw me in a way that no one else saw me. From the very beginning she saw me as someone that would raise up higher than anyone else she ever knew. If she was alive right now, I would ask her what her life was like when she was younger. She was the person that taught me that the simple things in life is all that counts. I love you and will miss you until the end of time. Love Jonah Richard.

Thank you my love for modeling kindness when it would have been so easy to be harsh. I will forever try to model kindness as you did. I will miss you calling me Miller and letting me know what my mama wouldn't approve of just to motivate me into serving the Cause of God. You are forever loved! Peace! Phoenix aka Anita and to you "Miller"

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC