Not only to myself, but more importantly to my children, who are as human, and subject to hurt and pain, as all other children, despite any lifestyle that they have been afforded," she wrote. In the autobiography, Funches-Wade maintained claims that Wade was physically abusive to her during their relationship (allegations he denied in divorce court) and that he was unfaithful, according to the Chicago Tribune. Besides this, she also has a stable flow of income through her Counselling practices. Siohvaughn Funches is an American public speaker, counselor, and ex-wife of NBA player Dwayne Wade. After losing custody of her sons, Dwyane Wade's ex-wife had a pretty dramatic meltdown in public. While Im on a life-changing trip in our motherland, Africa, Ive received a social media post about me forcing our 15 year old child to be someone shes not and to do something against her will. She is famously known as the wife of former American basketball player Dwyane Wade. She filed for divorce in 2007 and began the long legal battle for her children. As of 2023, Siohvaughn has an estimated net worth of more than $6 million. Former NBA star Dwyane Wade called out his ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches, after she filed a petition attempting to block their daughter Zaya's legal name change. 'He was like nothing I see now,' she recounted. In 2010, the divorce was finalized, and in 2011, Dwyane won sole custody of their children. The LinkedIn profile lists that she graduated Magna Cum Lade and that her activities included Law Journal Moot Court Championship Team Best Oralist Award Deans List Award Recipient Cali Excellence for the Future Award Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears Pro Bono Award Excellence in Pro Bono Service Award Pro Bono Distinction Award., Related: . June 20, 2012 / 10:43 AM / CBS NEWS. Atlanta Black Star is a narrative company. 'If I had to choose between the money and the love, I would have chosen the love. I knew that when I married him, I was married to them, said Union. In addition, Siohvaughn Funches Husband was Wade Dwayne is the NBA's professional basketball player for the Miami Heat. In reality, she said, one of Wade's sisters who is not allowed to transport the children arrived at the house to take them and did not even ring the bell to say she was waiting. I might as well have been watching Netflix at the time.". The former Mrs. Wade sought the most public forum to . Siohvaughn Funches and Dwyane Wade started dating as teenagers and married one year before the former basketball player entered the NBA draft in 2003 but their . She warned, You will never, ever I dont care if the other parent is dead you will never be able to replace the other parent. She filed a petition in 2022 to stop Zaya from changing her name and gender. In 2007, things got bad for Siohvaughn and Dwyane. Siohvaughn is indeed a devoted Christian and is trying to live her life according to the Bible. Moreover, Siohvaughn decided to share her story with the world in a book. ", Wade filed a second petition to legally change Zaya's name on Nov. 28, 2022. Siohvaughn Funches (born: 6th September 1981, Age: 41 years old) is an American public speaker, Christian counselor, author, and businesswoman from Chicago. Fourteen-year-old Zaya Wade has a firm understanding of the role that mental health plays in her life. Living with dad: Zaire and Wade watch a Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics game in June 2010. "I was excited but I was also nervous as hell at the same time, because I'm a kid and I'm trying to find my way in this world and now I'm bringing a kid into this world. Now disgraced duke and his family are BANNED from the Buckingham Palace balcony but the Queen 'WILL make a special effort to include Beatrice and Eugenie over Jubilee weekend', Amber Heard describes using make-up and 'super heavy, red matte lipstick' to conceal injuries before appearing on James Corden Late Late Show. When the couple married in 2014, Wade already had three children, Zaire and Zaya, whom he shares with his ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, and Xavier Zechariah, whom he fathered with Aja Metoyer in 2013. His father and stepmother seem to support the decision of Zion, judging by the photos posted by Gabriella and Dwyane, though. Siohvaughn Wade, 31, was locked in four-year battle for Zaire, 10, and Zion, 5, but basketball star husband was granted sole custody in March 2011. Theyve already gone through so much upheaval, moving states away, not knowing anyone, having gone through a divorce. It was devastating.'. Haters blame Siohvaughn for not supporting her son at this important stage of his life, given that even his step-mother already supported Zion. However, he was never mentioned by name and was noted as the father of her children. First of all, me and my wife, Gabrielle Union, we are proud parents of a child in the LGBTQ+ community, and were proud allies as well, Wade said during a February 2020 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Siohvaughn Funches is a famous American public speaker, a professional counselor, an author, and a businesswoman. Siohvaughn Funches-Wade is ready to go to court against her ex, Dwyane Wade, yet again. ', Drew Sidora Claims Husband Is a 'Serial Cheater,' Caused Mental Abuse in Amended Divorce Filing, Woman Has No Parental Rights for Son She Raised with Ex-Wife Who Now Lives with Sperm Donor: Judge, Magic Johnson's 3 Kids: Everything to Know, Gabrielle Union Films Dwyane Wade and Son's Hilarious Reaction to Daughter Kaavia's Sassy Comment, Wade eventually received full custody of their kids, submitted court documents objecting to the change, supporting all of his children as they are. Her only sibling, Garrica LeAnna Woods died as a teenager. Siohvaughn Funches, who has a Phd in Christian studies, calls Zaya her 'son' as she talks about her second pregnancy in the latest episode of her motivational podcast. Celebrity had a lot to do with it. The Breaking star also stressed the importance of consistency. Since this must be the new way of parenting, I guess I have to address these allegations here, which is a damn shame, the athlete wrote via a lengthy Instagram statement. Born on September 6, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, Siohvaughn has always had rough moments in her life. Zaya Wade has not publicly commented on the legal battle between dad Dwyane Wade and mom Siovaughn Funches-Wade over her ability to legally change her name. The major part of this, came through divorce Alimony. On Twitter, her nick is @A_WOW_WOMAN. Life story: Wade recounts the custody battle in his book, which came out this month. AceShowbiz - Just like in a rom-com! Their daughter Kaavia was born with the help of the surrogate. Because of this action of Wade, Siohvaughn even tried to sue Gabriella for ruining their family and relationships. At the time, Wade was still attending college, playing basketball for Marquette University. I went for the cordless phone; Dwyane came and grabbed it and threw the phone and it literally broke. Funches and Wade married in 2002 after she gave birth to their first child, Zaire. An Interview with Dr Funches. After they started a family, they moved to a cramped apartment in Marquette, where he was at college. 2 She makes around $400000 per year through . The former pair welcomed two children Zaire and Zaya before they called it quits in 2007. ". Here they are pictured in early 2006 on the beach in Florida, Family: Siohvaughn begged Wade not to enter the 2002 draft as they were only just married and settling into family life. By the way, Siohvaughn created her Christian non-profit organization that is called Womans Worth Foundation Inc. Before the pair finalized their divorce, Dwyane had begun dating another woman whom he married in 2014. 'There was not a time out or anything. *An old clip has surfaced online of Siohvaughn Funches, ex-wife of NBA all-star Dwyane Wade, speaking out about Gabrielle's Union negative influence on her sons. There's nothing anyone could have done for me to say, "Get me away from them". Dwyane Wade is hitting back. Siohvaughn Funches was previously married to her ex-husband, Dwyane Wade after a long-term relationship. Then in 2003, her husband's name, Dwyane Wade, was called fifth in the NBA draft propelling them to a life of red carpets and hangers-on. Would they still love me? Two months later, in November, Funches-Wade submitted court documents objecting to the change, alleging that the former NBA star is "positioned to profit" from the name and gender change and expressing concerns that he "may be pressuring" Zaya for financial gain. On Tuesday, Nov. 1, Funches-Wade, 41, submitted an objection to a Los Angeles County court that requested Zaya Wade wait until . Dwyane Wade 's first relationship dates back to when he was just 9 years old. And while the fame meant they could enjoy a life of unimaginable wealth, it quickly sent their marriage plummeting to irrecoverable depths. She held up a handwritten sign that read, "NBA Miami Heat star, mother of his children on . Dwyane and his current wife, actress Gabrielle Union, have been supportive of Zaya, 15, since she came out as transgender when she was 12. However, no one is sure about what Siohvaughn has to say about it. I could break down at that moment or I could say, "God help me". This report came out while Zaya was in class. Funches made headlines in 2007 when Wade . As high school sweethearts, Siohvaughn and Dwyane tied the knot in 2002, one year before he entered the NBA Draft. That was when he first met Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, the woman who would eventually become his high school girlfriend and first wife. In June, she was arrested for child abduction after she failed to give the boys over to their father at the end of a visit. 'When [NBA commissioner] David Stern called his name, that changed everything,' she said. Siohvaughn Funches has two children with Dwayne Wade. Siohvaughn Funches' Divorce Settlement. Here's the scoop on D-Wade's ex. I dont know what Im supposed to be doing, but like Im here with them every day., Union said that at one point she questioned, Am I supposed to be a friend? Instead, of anguishing over her family role, she realized that I had to figure out how to be consistent, and nurturing, and compassionate, and love for each of them. Farm Heroes Saga, the #4 Game on iTunes. The former Miami Heat shooting guard also cared for his nephew, Dahveon Morris. Wade, who has been married to Gabrielle Union since 2014, filed a petition in August 2022 for Zaya to legally change her name and gender. The biggest controversy among the fans of the Wade family cause the news that Zion is to become Zaya. She was born on September 6, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, as Siohvaughn L. Funches. "The biggest lesson [I learned] is that when there are children involved who can't speak for themselves, no matter how tempted you are to just tell someone else's truth you just have to shut your mouth and make sure that they are protected at all times even if you sacrifice yourself. Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union married after he divorced Siohvaughn Funches-Wade. Dwyane Wade and Siohvaughn Funches-Wade's divorce. 'We know what happened to Dwyane without his mom in his life and how he turned to my family.'. In his book, Wade writes of the burden of a committed relationship at such a tender age, revealing how he had often planned to end it, wished he had 'played the field' and thought it was too much 'too young'. 'There were so many things that were so serious, like other women. Wade's reasoning for moving in with Funches-Wade was two-fold, the outlet reported. Siohvaughn Funches was born in Chicago, Illinois, United States on September 6, 1981. Her memoir documented her side of her marriage and divorce from Wade. As of 2023, Siohvaughn Funches net . She felt moved to publicly reveal her torment weeks after Wade, who has enjoyed a nine-year career as shooting guard with the Miami Heat and accrued a fortune of $65 million, released his book, A Father First: How My Life Became Bigger Than Basketball. Despite these fears as well as claims he was physically abusive with Siohvaughn Wade was granted sole custody, and his ex-wife is certain the courts were seduced by his celebrity. 'Zion was a baby. On those photos, Zion is dressed in tight pants, crop tops, and wears fake nails. Its not a word that I use, she told We Can Do Hard Things podcast host Glenn Doyle. The exes have continued the argument on social media: Wade called Funches-Wade an "absent parent," while Funches-Wade claimed she was acting within her "parental right and power. As this battle continues in the court, heres what you need to know about D-Wades ex-wife. Former NBA player Dwyane Wade and his first wife, Siohvaughn Funches, share two kids and the ex-athlete has full custody of them. 'He would say to me: "This is the lifestyle. We struggled with what people would say about a 12-year-old making a decision about her life, but we also know our child. The judge also ordered no contact between Siohvaughn and the boys for 30 days. Wade's father, who he described as "militant," was having marital problems at the time with Wade's stepmother and the basketball star found the fighting distracting. She revealed that, if she had known then what she knows now, she would have asked him to never go for the draft at all. Your job is to be consistent.. On Nov. 41, Funches, 41, submitted an objection to a Los Angeles County court on Nov. 1, requesting that Zaya Wade waits until the age of majority to change her name and gender. Siohvaughn Funches has an estimated net worth of over $5 million as of 2020. It's my belief that that was happening. 'Mr Wade has a career and a schedule which is not amenable to small children [as a single parent].'. Contribute to Atlanta Black Star today and help us share our narratives. My lawyer will be in contact and best of luck to the 14th lawyer as they try to unravel this book of lies that's been sold to them.". While she is also an author and founder of a women's foundation, Funches is best known for being the ex-wife of Dwyane Wade - a famous former basketball player. She began giving motivational speeches for men and women who had gone through abuse. Dr. Siohvaughn L. Funches is a renowned public speaker, professional counselor, published author, and loving mother who is committed to sharing the life-transforming truths of the Gospel of Jesus . 'How devastating and traumatic for these two small boys,' she said, sobbing. This court finds that [Siohvaughn Wade] has embarked on an unstoppable and relentless pattern of conduct for over two years to alienate the children from their father, and lacks either the ability or the willingness to facilitate, let alone encourage, a close and continuing relationship between them, Judge Renee G. Goldfarb wrote in a portion of the ruling, per ESPN. While none of us are surprised by Siohvaughns attempt to fight Zayas identity and her unwavering attempt to drag my name through the mud, Im very disappointed that she continuously find ways of centering herself and HER needs, without regard to her children. So who is Dwyane Wade's ex-wife? The charges have since been dropped but she still faces charges of resisting arrest 'in a case where she never should have been arrested in the first place', her attorney said. The transition didn't come without hardships as Zaya's biological mother Siohvaughn Funches-Wade protested the idea because Dwyane would profit from the change because of potential sponsorship deals.. 5. 'I was very hesitant to do so, not because I didnt want another child but because there was so much that Dwyane had swept under the rug. Funches-Wade has penned two books: The True Story for God's Glory: The Life of Siohvaughn L. Funches-Wade, published in 2016, and You Gotta Let God Finish!, published in 2018. Siohvaughn Funches (seated) claims ex-husband Dwyane Wade has put her out on the street after he won sole custody of their two sons. Born on September 6, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, Siohvaughn has always had rough moments in her life. In 2006, Funches founded a non-profit organization called 'A Woman's Worth Foundation' and serves as its president. The NBA champ responded to Funches-Wade on Instagram, citing her inability to truly learn who their daughter is. It was Gabrielle Union, an American actress and author. She added that she also has no opinion on his relationship with actress Gabrielle Union, who at 39, is almost 10 years his senior. Dont try to replace the other parent. Siohvaughn Funches came to the limelight when she got married to Dwyane Wades, a former NBA superstar, in 2002. I can't describe what it felt like to speak to them after 30 days. She married Dwyane in 2002 and got divorce in 2010 following a bitter split. First off, her parents divorced when the girl was only three years old. By the way, she has a Facebook account as well Siohvaughn Funches. In extensive detail in his newly-released book, Dwyane Wade recounts the years-long battle with his ex-wife for the children and the moment he was given custody of the boys. She was studying in fifth grade while she met Dwayne and started dating at the age of 15. Siohvaughn is a most loving, caring mother and the boys love and adore her just as they do me. Getty Images Divorce and Allegations. This is a kid who has maintained a 4.0 GPA in honors classes while navigating all this unsolicited and harmful attention and debates about her gender and sexuality from those who are committed to not listening to her, much less even knowing her. 5 things to know about Wade's ex-wife: Funches and Wade met as teenagers while growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, the pair were high school sweethearts. As far as we know, theres no such thing in Christianity as transgender and pansexuality. A 13-year-old son of Siohvaughn and Dwyane calls himself a transgender girl and even tries to wear girlish clothes, make-up and nails. In 2010, the NBA star's estranged wife sued Union for $50,000 in damages after alleging the Bring In On star caused her two children emotional distress. Wade said he now thinks they were 'too young' for such a committed relationship. But it was part of the lifestyle going out late, travelling, being with different people.'. "While none of us are surprised by Siohvaughn's attempt to fight Zaya's identity and her unwavering attempt to drag my name through the mud, I'm very disappointed that she continuously find[s] ways of centering herself and HER needs, without regard to her children," the former NBA star wrote. She has not seen the boys since July, Missed: She hugs her eldest son, Zaire, who she claims was disciplined by his father 'with a closed fist'. She recounted the alleged incident from 2006, when she was in her first trimester with Zion. Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade welcomed their first child together, daughter Kaavia James Wade, via surrogacy in November 2018. Like any wise investor, Dr. Funches understands the principle of diversifying and, therefore, has begun her own womens clothing line., The page also says she owns her own alternative dispute resolution firm, The Mediation Matters Firm, LLC, and provides a variety of professional alternative dispute resolution services to clients. . The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. In an interview with Time in 2020, Wade and Union praised Zaya's authenticity, with Union revealing that Zaya "has freedom to be exactly who she is, who she was born to be, to be her . Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, the ex-wife of NBA player Dwyane Wade, is asking a California court to prevent her former spouse from allowing their 15-year-old transgender daughter Zaya to legally change her name and gender. Maybe because of that Wade became a professional basketball player in the US. The pain and discomfort made Siohvaughn move forward and work hard to have a better life. It led to a nearly four-year battle for custody of their sons, Separation: The couple, pictured in 2007 months before their divorce, were torn apart by the pressures of money and fame, Siohvaugn said, adding she felt like her husband had died, Stepping up: Wade was granted sole custody in March 2011 - two weeks before they were pictured with his teammate LeBron James (R) and tennis players Kei Nishhikori (L) and Rafael Nadal. She wants her share of the $11.5 million Wade makes in . The topic of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression is one that remains highly . 'I was very sad because this was not the person I dated,' she said. 'I don't believe thats the truth,' she disputed. In MailOnline's Siohvaughn Funches interview, she claimed that Dwyane used his celebrity status and money to win the custody case. While she does not speak to Wade directly and has no judgment on his parenting, she said she was concerned about her children living with their father. In case of height, Siohvaughn is In Centimetres 167 cm, In Feet and Inches 5 6 tall. "Our relationship was rocky," Wade said in Life Unexpected. 'I want to cry, jump, scream, and shout, and, above all, praise God. Moreover, Siohvaughn even launched the podcast Faith Comes by Hearing in 2019 where she shared details from her personal life and the wisdom that she had earned throughout her life. The former Miami Heat star, 41, spoke out against Funches-Wade's accusations via Instagram. I asked him to choose between his family or him and he chose his family.'. Siohvaughn Funches Net Worth. Spearheading A Wow Woman Publishing, she has authored and released two books, The True Story for God's Glory: The Life of Siohvaughn L. Funches-Wade and You Gotta Let God . Even though his coaches suggested he be put forward for the draft in 2002, Siohvaughn pleaded with him to wait, she said. I was worried about their emotional well being because I knew how it felt and I couldnt imagine how that would be as a child. The NBA All-Star and podcast host filed for divorce in 2010 and after a lengthy court battle, the Miami Heat legend was granted full custody of their two children. Siohvaughn makes a decent living as an author, public speaker, and Christian counselor. She never made a complaint to police and charges have never been brought against her ex-husband for assaulting her. Her gender change has since sparked debate. So don't freak," she continued. Zaya herself said in a chat with her father, "Just be true to yourself, because what's the point of even living on this earth if you're going to try to be someone you're not?" One thing they both agree on is that the children should be able to see both of their parents. This was one of the most high profile divorce cases of the 21st century. . For his part, Wade argues in his book that he felt it was his ex-wife that was doing her best to disobey court orders, including claims the children were ill or making the boys say things they didn't want to. 'In the hours and weeks after, I cried and cried and I remember being scared when Id see them again. Idol's physical state, height, weight even the hairstyle is followed by the fans. 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"First, these statements are completely untrue, and second they are very hurtful. A lot of celebrities do not know what to do with their money anymore in 2022. Net Worth, Salary & Earnings of Siohvaughn Funches in 2023. In furtherance of this Foundations mission, she has dedicated a large part of her life to helping women know and understand their God-given identity in order for them to fulfill their God-given destinies. Kids make you feel that much better. The memoir's portrayal of Wade, 30, is fiercely disputed by his ex-wife, who said she saw him harshly discipline their eldest son, Zaire, now 10, in a repeat of the own emotional abuse he suffered at the hands of his strict father. "But I think, ultimately, we all have it inside of us to help lead someone, whether that's your kids, godson or goddaughter, niece or nephew, coworker we all have it in us to lead. I was worried that I failed at protecting [Zaire]. I knew I needed to be consistent, she noted. Most importantly, she is widely known as the former wife of Dwyane Wade. Dr. Siohvaughn L. Funches is a renowned public speaker, author and a loving mother who is committed to sharing the life-transforming truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Siohvaughn suffered back and neck pain after the incident and complications with her pregnancy but could not be certain they stemmed from the alleged outburst, she said. At the same time, Siohvaughn was fighting for custody of her children. 'Mr Wade's attorneys were very successful in creating a negative portrayal of Siohvaughn in the media. Siohvaughn said the judge ordered she not contact the boys for a month as they settled in with their father a ruling that horrified her. The love life of the now-retired Miami Heat superstar shooting guard Dwyane Wade has not been the smoothest. On May 18, 2002, during their sophomore year, they tied their lifelong knot after some . In 2020, the public speaker and professional athletes daughter, Zaya, publicly came out as transgender. The following year, he chose his career. I knew that telling on him wasn't going to go well.'. On Feb. 24, 2023, Zaya was granted an official name change and assignment of gender, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. Now for the first time, Siohvaughn, who divorced Wade in 2007, has revealed in detail her heartbreak at the disintegration of their five-year marriage. She didn't make any comment about her second child's gender change, but the mother of two referred to the 12-year-old as a "son" despite the kid's desire to be identified as a girl. She shared her feelings about all of this in one of the books. Both Wade and Funches-Wade were just 20 years old at the time; Wade was a sophomore at Marquette University. At one point during Wade's junior year of high school, Wade even moved in with Funches-Wade and her mother, according to the Washington Post. By definition, she obviously fits the title, but in the Wade household, she is not reduced to the outsider designation. In February 2020, Zaya came out as transgender. The foundation has its own transitional shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence and provides services including counseling, clothing and food, and career prep. This wise and savvy entrepreneur owns her own real estate investment firm, which provides hotel-style rentals for business executives as well as vacation rentals for families on the coast. Whatever personality I was trying on that day, or whoever I was, I just needed to be consistent so they can get used to me. Dwyane Wade fires back at ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches over Zaya gender and name change criticism. For good reason," she said. Met in fifth grade and started dating aged 15 . Explosive interview with Siohvaughn Funches Wade regarding Dewayne Wade There's no money that can buy that kind of strength. Dr. Siohvaughn L. Funches is a loving mother, renowned public speaker and a now two-time published author! Their second child, Zaya, was born in 2007 as Zion Wade. Funches' net worth is estimated to be over $100,000 as of 2019. Siohvaughn Funches' age is 37, and her net worth is currently unknown despite having a seemingly successful career as a published author, public speaker, and owning a publishing company. It turned out that Siohvaughn was homeless during divorce proceedings that is why her husband gave her around $35,000 per month for a living. She is best known as the ex-wife of former professional basketball player Dwyane Wade. Her father's name is Frank Funches and her mother's name is Darlene Funches. But she was content. The non-profit is a Christian organization that focuses on issues affecting women, including domestic violence. After the alleged incidents, she moved from their home in Miami back to live with her mother in Chicago, she said. The settlement also includes a "non-disparage" agreement in which each party . Another time, her husband flew the boys to the London Olympics, meaning she did not see them for more than a month. She also is the founder and president of A Woman's Worth Foundation, a non-profit Christian organization that focuses on issues regarding women. 'Very few people know how hard this has been on me,' Wade writes. Money had a lot to do with it.'. At this point, she has not seen them since July, she said.