Brenda Wannamaker Koch

Brenda Wannamaker Koch, 70, of Folly Beach, South Carolina, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Born on February 4, 1955, in Columbia, SC she was the only daughter of the late Margaret Cleckley Wannamaker and Murray Bernard Wannamaker. She grew up on a farm near Swansea, SC with her four brothers.

Brenda cared deeply for others, both in her career as a Nurse Anesthetist and as a devoted wife and mother. She was loving, generous, kind, and whimsical. She stubbornly lived on her own terms. She was a ‘flower child’ who believed in the power of science and was disappointed not to see a woman serve as US president in her lifetime. She loved her animals like they were family, from her childhood pet horse Dixie to the menagerie of cats and dogs who ended up in her care. Like many others in her family, especially her mother Margaret, she had the ‘gift of gab’ and could have a great conversation with anyone she ever met. She also loved comparing the storylines of her favorite books to their TV/film adaptations (the books were always better). She attended the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival about 30 times over the years, with her husband Chuck and daughter Bailey, as well as with dear friends. She also loved traveling with Bailey, to New York for “theater binges,” to beautiful European cities, and on tropical cruises.

Brenda is preceded in death by her husband Charles “Chuck” Koch in 2016; her brother James Wannamaker in 2019; and her parents, Murray Bernard and Margaret Cleckley Wannamaker.

Brenda is survived by her daughter Bailey Jordan Pasch (Sofia); her brothers Billy Wannamaker (Jane), Bob Wannamaker (Sarah), and Mark Wannamaker as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 3:00pm at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation – James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412. The Nurses Honor Guard will share in the service.

In addition to the memorial service on September 17, 2025, we will be holding a “celebration of life” in the Charleston area in the coming months - more details to be shared as they are available.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood South Atlantic (https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/a/donate-planned-parenthood-south-atlantic)

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - James Island, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.