West Columbia honours beloved late judge Tanya Amber Gee with a commemorative statue
West Columbia, SC – The city of West Columbia in South Carolina paid tribute to a renowned local judge, the late Judge Tanya Amber Gee, with a statue on its iconic Riverwalk. Known for her empathetic nature and exceptional legal mind, the late Tanya Gee is remembered as one of the State’s brightest young judges.
Remembering Judge Tanya Amber Gee
Chris Koon, her widower, recalled, “When you met her, you immediately liked her. You could tell that she was kind, approachable, empathetic and saw you. It’s a special gift when someone really sees you and she had that gift.”
After earning her law degree from USC Law School in 2002, Tanya advanced rapidly within the state legal system, starting with the state court of appeals. By the end of her career, she had reached the esteemed position of a circuit court judge, a role she fulfilled until her untimely passing from a rare form of cancer, chondrosarcoma, in 2016.
Honouring Her Memory
A statue of Judge Gee was unveiled in West Columbia along the Congaree River, a location she cherished deeply. Tanya’s love for the Riverwalk is shared by her daughter, Sabin, who also finds solace and grounding in nature.
Speaking about her mother’s memory, Sabin said, “I hope they think that’s a nice person and realize when they read about her that she was incredible. I hope I inherited her work ethic. She was a very hard worker and had a kind attitude no matter what the situation was.”
The Legacy of Judge Tanya Amber Gee
The statue, now standing tall by the Congaree River, serves as a reminder of Tanya Gee’s immense contribution to the judiciary and her local community. It is also a testament to her strength, resilience, and tireless work ethic.
The late judge’s widower, Chris Koon, expressed gratitude for the community’s recognition of his late wife’s contributions and shared his belief that she would be thrilled with the location of her commemorative statue.
“The mayor said this was the perfect place. Tanya is smiling down on us right now from ear to ear,” Koon said. “She’s over the moon that this is where she’s immortalized.”
Keeping Her Spirit Alive
The remembrance of Judge Tanya Amber Gee in West Columbia extends beyond her professional accomplishments. Her statue is a tribute to a woman of strength who fought cancer fiercely and found joy in every aspect of life. Her memory continues to inspire those who knew her and those who learn about her story.
The statue also adds to Columbia’s heritage, inviting people enjoying the Riverwalk to engage with the city’s history and get inspired by the life and works of this extraordinary judge.
Final Remarks
The unveiling of Judge Tanya Amber Gee’s statue is a testament to her enduring influence and the profound impact she had on those around her. The stories, shared memories, and the Riverwalk statue itself stand as a lasting tribute to a woman whose life was characterized by service, strength, and compassion.
