Wanya Gerrod Burnside

Wanya G. Burnside, affectionately known as “Ye Ye,” transitioned peacefully from his earthly home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 3, 2019.

Wanya was born to QuiYana Burnside on May 2, 1998 in South Bend, Indiana. He attended elementary school at Learning For Life SDA Academy and then Middle School at Jefferson Middle School, where he discovered a love for football, excelling as he played position of running back. He and his team won championships his 7th and 8th grade year. He continued playing football at John Adams High School and continued playing for Bob Jones High School after moving to Madison, Alabama with his brothers, QuiYante and Quiwon and grandmother, Magdalene Burnside-Clay. In 2015, Bob Jones went on to win Region 4 Champs.

His family moved to Huntsville, AL in 2015 and Wanya attended Columbia High School, were he graduated in 2016. Shortly after graduating from Columbia, Wanya moved back to Indiana with his family, spending time in Michigan City before moving to Gary, Indiana in 2019.

Prior to his death, Wanya worked at UPS on the assembly line.

He professed his faith and was baptized at Berean SDA Church in South Bend, Indiana at a very early age. While in Alabama, he attended Oakwood SDA Church.

Wanya loved football and basketball, but most of all, he loved his music. He had an infectious laugh and a smile that could light a room. He had a very quiet demeanor but came to life when he was with his family or engaging in music and sports. He loved eating chicken patties and Toll House Chocolate Chip cookies. One thing very many people didn’t know is that Wanya was a deep thinker, always asking questions and seeking answers. Before his death, Wanya was on a spiritual journey, seeking to understand who is God.

Leaving to celebrate and cherish his memory is his loving mother, QuiYana Burnside, his devoted grandmother, Magdalene Burnside-Clay; three brothers: QuiYante Poindexter, Quiwon Burnside, and Aireon “AJ” Anderson, Armani Anderson, Kanyiah McLeod and Chachie McLeod; maternal uncles and aunts: Venola Burnside Walker and Charles Burnside of South Bend, Jeffrey (Edwina) Burnside of Gary, Marcus Burnside and Stacy Burnside of Indianapolis, and Curtis Burnside. He also leaves to cherish his memory a paternal aunt, Falana McLeod of South Bend; special cousins: Justin Burnside, David Burnside, Jessica Burnside, MiAngil Burnside, Davionte Moore; best friends: Braxton, Trell, and KJ, a host of other cousins and extended family members who will miss his beautiful smile and spirited personality.

Preceding Wanya in death are his grandfather, Rev. Charles N. Burnside, Sr. and brother Shawn Poindexter, Jr.

Visitation for Wanya Burnside will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at Berean SDA Church, 601 West Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46601. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 A.M. There is no burial. Palmer Funeral Homes - West Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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