Garland "Gigi" Binford

Garland Binford, better known as Gigi, the daughter of the late Leslie and Janie Mae Hamrick, was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 26, 1945, and raised in Kershaw, South Carolina. She later attended Limestone and Anderson Colleges where she earned her bachelor's degree in psychology. After college she went on to work at The University of South Carolina, and met her future husband, Robert F. Binford. Together, they built a family and a life filled with memories that would become part of their family's story.

Garland devoted her career to teaching preschool at Providence Baptist Wee School, Calvary Church, and Carmel Christian School in Charlotte, where she helped young children learn and grow. She was a smart, funny, independent, caring, and loving woman who had a way of making life her own. She valued her independence, treasured the people in her life, and found joy in the everyday moments that brought people together.

Friendship was one of the great constants in Garland's life. She maintained close friendships from her youth and continued to build meaningful ones over the years. Her circle of friends included longtime companions and neighbors who became an important part of her life. Whether playing canasta or mahjong, baking goodies for friends, or simply enjoying one another's company, she cherished the connections she made and the time she spent with those closest to her.

Garland also loved an adventure. She enjoyed spontaneous girls' trips to the beach and mountains, as well as girls' days spent shopping and going out to lunch. She loved gardening and planting flowers around her home, adding color and beauty to the place she called her own.

Christmas, however, held a particularly special place in Garland's heart. She loved hosting Christmas Eve for her family, making it a treasured tradition that brought everyone together. No Christmas Eve dinner was complete without her signature Meeting St. Crab Meat, a dish that became part of the family's holiday memories. Her love for the season could be seen throughout her neighborhood, where her elaborate Christmas decorations and beloved snow village collection were familiar and eagerly anticipated sights. The snow village held a special place in her grandson RJ's heart, creating a connection between a tradition she loved and a memory he will always cherish.

Garland was the beloved wife of her late husband, Robert F. Binford; a loving mother to Brian Binford and wife Jennifer of Charlotte, Graham Binford and wife Amelia of Gastonia. A loving grandmother to Brianna of Charlotte and RJ of Clemson.

Garland's life was made up of the things that mattered most to her: family gathered around the table at Christmas, friends laughing over a game of cards, flowers blooming around her home, shopping trips and lunches shared with loved ones, and the excitement of planning the next little adventure. These moments, both big and small, tell the story of a woman who lived life in her own way and built lasting connections with the people around her.

Garland will be remembered for her humor, intelligence, independence, and caring heart. Her traditions will live on in the family gatherings she made special, the friendships she nurtured, and the memories that will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who knew and loved her.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association (www.mydiabetes.com) in loving memory of Garland Binford. Those wishing to honor her memory may make a donation online at:

https://diy-diabetes.donordrive.com/campaigns/In-Loving-Memory-of-Garland-Binford

Your generosity will help support diabetes research, education, and programs for those affected by the disease. The family sincerely appreciates your love, support, and thoughtful contributions in her memory.