Gayle Wade

Gayle Wooten Wade, 86, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family, on August 15, 2021. She was born July 20, 1935, in Spartanburg, SC, the daughter of late William Guy and Ophelia Hicks Wooten, and was the widow of Edward Thomas Wade Harris.

An active professional musician for her entire life, she was involved with many organizations. Following her graduation from Spartanburg High School in 1953, she joined her mother in teaching private lessons to students of all ages in piano, organ, voice and violin, and together they created the curriculum and taught “Musical Kindergarten” at Southside Baptist Church for many years. She attended Converse College for music, and later was a sought-after accompanist for their Pre-College Department of Music and Dance Recitals, Miss Marion’s School of Dance, various college auditions, solo and ensemble competitions, and National Federation of Music Clubs competitions. She earned diplomas in Harmony and in History and Analysis of Music from the University Extension Conservatory in Chicago, Illinois in 1957/1963. She was a member of Music Teachers National Association, Alpha Mu Gamma (foreign language honor society) since 1966, and Sigma Pi Mu (music fraternity) since 1967. She served as organist and choir director at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church for over 40 years and worked with children’s choirs at First Baptist Church Spartanburg for many decades. She was a section violinist with the Spartanburg Symphony (now Philharmonic) Orchestra for nearly 35 years.

While rearing her two daughters, Mrs. Wade continued her education and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She served as a two-term dean of the American Guild of Organists, Spartanburg Chapter, and was a President of Church Women United. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Spartanburg, and an honorary pianist at Oakey Mountain Baptist Church in Clarksville, Georgia (her family’s home church).

In addition to her musical accomplishments, Mrs. Wade was a multiple award-winning seamstress and master of various needle arts. She also enjoyed playing Scrabble and solitaire in the company her beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Einstein and her Jack Russell Terrier, Scooter.

Survivors include daughters Andrea W. Pack (Toby) of Spartanburg, and Michelle W. Jones (Gerald) of Windermere, Florida; and granddaughter Lauren E. Pack of Spartanburg.

A Memorial service will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 4, 2021, with family visitation from 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Heritage Mausoleum Chapel, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307, and may also be available virtually online. The Reverend Joe Blackwelder will be conducting the service.

The family wishes to thank Hope Lipscomb, and the many staff of Spartanburg Regional Medical, Interim Home Healthcare, and Agape Hospice for their kindness and continued support.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel

If you wish to join us virtually on Saturday, here are the links:

YouTube:      https://youtu.be/4oDeb7sKIR0

Facebook:      https://www.facebook.com/840109667/posts/10159898458159668/?d=n

Streaming begins around 11am with live music, followed by the service at noon.