Brenda Farthing Oates

Brenda "Dawn" Farthing Oates, a beacon of love and faith in the Greenville community, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024, at the age of 56. Born on January 25, 1968, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Herbert and Thelma Farthing, Dawn's life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and enduring kindness.

Dawn spent her entire life in Slater, the city that was both her cradle and her comfort, and it was there that she met and married the love of her life, Rev. Shane Oates. Together, they raised two wonderful daughters, Leah and Autumn, who brought boundless joy and purpose to her days. Dawn was preceded in death by her dear mother-in-law, Dorothy Chandler, and though her parents Herbert and Thelma Farthing had passed before her, their values and love lived on through Dawn's actions and words.

For over two decades, the melodic strains of the piano filled Slater Baptist Church with Dawn's talent and devotion. Her music was more than a mere contribution to the services; it was a hymn of her heart's commitment to her faith and community. Dawn's membership at the church was a period during which she not only shared her musical gifts but also her compassionate spirit and endless capacity to support those around her.

Dawn's life was a symphony of her interests, which ranged from her deep love for music to an unwavering passion for animals. Her faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through life's ebbs and flows with grace and resilience. Family was her greatest treasure, and she nurtured her relationships with the same care and dedication that she applied to every aspect of her life.

Those who knew Dawn would describe her as loving, faith-filled, and spirited—a woman whose presence could light up the darkest of rooms. Her laughter was infectious, her advice was sought after, and her hugs were a haven of comfort. She was a friend to many, always ready with a kind word or a helping hand, and her passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Dawn is survived by her beloved husband, Rev. Shane Oates; her daughters, Leah and Autumn Oates; Lori McGraw and many cousins. She will be remembered as a cherished wife, a nurturing mother, a devoted church member, and a true friend. Her legacy is one of love and faith, and it will continue to resonate in the hearts of those she touched.

The community of Slater has lost one of its most radiant souls, but Dawn's spirit will forever be a part of the city she loved so dearly. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the life of a woman who embodied the best of us. Dawn's memory will be held in the highest regard, a guiding star for those she has left behind.

The family of Brenda "Dawn" Farthing Oates invites you to join them in honoring her memory. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. May we all find comfort in the knowledge that Dawn's spirit lives on—not just in the echo of her piano or the whisper of her favorite hymns, but in the love she shared so freely with us all. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025 2pm, at Lima Baptist Church, Travelers Rest, SC 29690