A joyous moment for late judge Tanya Amber Gee was unveiled with a statue dedication at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater on Aug. 16. The City of West Columbia hosted the statue dedication of the late South Carolina circuit court judge after her battle with cancer ended in 2016.  
Chris Koon, husband of the late judge, said, “This is a joyous moment for our family.” Koon and and his late wife have two children with one in college and the youngest a senior in high school. 
He shared the story of the inspiration for the statue which was completed by sculptor Charles Pate. Koon says the statue is an original vision based on a photo Koon took of his wife while they were vacationing in California.  
The trip took place during the summer of 2012 and he says they were driving along the Pacific Coast Highway when they came to a classic scenic overlook. Gee took a seat on one of the cliff rocks and he decided to snap some photos which she humbly obliged to.  
“Fast forward and cancer came. She fought it… but lost in 2016,” Koon said. The statue idea came from a conversation with a friend. It was clear to Koon that the Riverwalk Amphitheater was the perfect spot as she often came to the rivers spot to unwind and destress from law school at USC and her job.  
“[The statue] captured her serenity and her eyes. That really blew me away,” Koon said. 
He believes from his research that this statue is the first statue of a female judge in the state as they haven’t found any others. 
The City of West Columbia sought the opportunity to celebrate Gee’s legacy as an “exemplary role model who set a high standard for women and men in our community,” according to the city’s press release.  
The unveiling of the statue is a tribute to the late judge while recognizing how everyone from all backgrounds can appreciate the Riverwalk in West Columbia.  
West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles said he met the late Gee during law school.  
“She was unbelievably smart and had a drive and zest for life. Her personal life was even more impressive,” Miles said.  
“Tanya and I started our legal careers together as law clerks. She was one of the smartest, kindest and funniest people I have ever known,” Miles said. “She was a great attorney, judge, person, mother, wife and friend. She achieved so much and helped so many during her short time here. I am so proud she will be represented here to watch over us, our beautiful Congaree that she loved, and our State Capitol.”  
The statue was made possible through donations to the S.C. Bar Foundation. Additional funds raised will go to USC’s Joseph F. Rice School of Law’s existing “Tanya A. Gee Warriors for Justice Fund,” a scholarship that helps defray loan repayment for graduates who work as public defenders. Read more at www.scbf.networkforgood.com/.