Tanya Gee

Tanya Amber Gee (July 15, 1977 – September 28, 2016) was a judge of the South Carolina Circuit Court.

Early life, education

Gee was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her mother was originally from Germany, and her parents met while her father was serving in the army overseas. Gee was educated in public schools in Michigan until her family moved to Rock Hill, South Carolina, when she was sixteen. She graduated from Northwestern High School in 1995.

Gee earned her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Winthrop University. Among her clients were state senators Paul Thurmond and Clementa Pinckney, who faced ballot challenges in 2012. She also served as a board member for Sarcoma Warriors.

Death and legacy

Late in her life, Gee was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called chondrosarcoma. He noted that “Judge Gee was filled with pride and happiness, as were her colleagues.”

On August 16, 2024, a statue of Gee was erected at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater in West Columbia.