Wanda Elaine Lyda

Liberty, SC

It is with both sorrow and hope in Christ that we announce the passing of Elaine, who departed this life on July 25, 2026, at the age of 72.  She was born on May 2, 1954, in Anderson, and though her life was often marked by trials, both medical and personal, it was also marked by a fierce tenacity to keep going in the face of adversity. Those who knew her knew she possessed a strong will, a sharp wit, and that she rarely hesitated to speak her mind. She would laugh at life’s absurdities and was just as likely to dance to an upbeat song by herself as she was with others.

She had a knack for making a house feel like a home. In her eyes there was always another room to redecorate, another idea to try, or another package arriving at the front door. She loved plants and flowers, even if they didn’t always agree with her green thumb. She wrote poetry in her younger years and, from time to time, would still put pen to paper when the words came to her.

She was always ready to help someone who came to her: night or day, sick or well. She wanted to help people and was often the first to offer what she could, whether that was encouragement, counsel, or simply her presence. More often than not, she had something set aside or bought specifically for someone, just so they knew she was thinking of them. Like every one of us, she had strengths and weaknesses, victories and failures, laughter and grief. The world didn’t always understand her, but that didn’t stop her from being who she was.

The final chapter of her life was marked by a difficult battle with stage IV adenosarcoma. Though her strength gradually faded, she remained surrounded by those who loved her. All the more, she clung so tightly to Christ that it was hard to deny the encouragement she provided even as her health declined so severely. Her earthly journey came to its close with family by her side, and for that mercy we are deeply grateful.

Surviving is her husband, Tommy Lyda; her two sons, Jon Lyda and Joshua Brown; her sister, Mary McNulty; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by six siblings, Inez Herring, Bobby Gillespie, Bonnie Price, Henry Gillespie, Carolyn Gillespie, and Pat Pittman.

Those who loved her will remember her for more than dates or accomplishments. They will remember rooms rearranged just because inspiration struck, flowers that somehow survived her care, poems tucked away in folders, her laughter at something wonderfully ridiculous, her willingness to dance without worrying who was watching, and the countless conversations that made a house feel alive and left you feeling heard.

As Christians, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Our confidence rests not in human goodness, but in the mercy of God revealed through Jesus Christ. In her final days, He was everything to her, and we rest in the promise that Christ has conquered death. We look forward to the day when He will wipe away every tear, death will be no more, and those who belong to Him will be raised in glory.

The family wishes to thank everyone who cared for her throughout her illness, who prayed faithfully, visited often, offered encouragement, and walked alongside us through these difficult months. Your kindness has not been forgotten.

Anyone who would like to celebrate her life is encouraged to reach out to the family to do so. No formal ceremony will be held at her request, but if you would like to send flowers or stop by to share how she impacted your life, we would be happy to welcome you.

“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” — Romans 14:8. To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements

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