5 Shocking Revelations About Dwyane Wade's First Wife, Siohvaughn Funches, And Her Life Today

Dwyane Wade's first wife, Siohvaughn Funches, remains a figure of intense public interest, decades after their high-profile and tumultuous divorce. Their relationship, which began as a high school sweetheart romance in Chicago, quickly transformed into a complex legal and personal battle once Wade's NBA career took off, culminating in one of the most contentious celebrity divorces of the early 2010s. For those seeking the most up-to-date information, as of December 2025, Siohvaughn has moved far beyond the drama, establishing a new life as a published author, motivational speaker, and Christian minister.

The narrative surrounding Siohvaughn Funches is often dominated by the messy custody battle over their two children, Zaire and Zaya Wade, and the reported $5 million divorce settlement. However, her life story is far richer than just her connection to the Hall of Fame basketball star. Today, she is a dedicated domestic violence counselor and the founder of her own ministry, using her personal experiences to help others and building a powerful platform focused on faith and empowerment.

Siohvaughn Funches: Complete Biography Profile

Siohvaughn Funches is an American author, professional counselor, and Christian speaker best known as the former wife of NBA legend Dwyane Wade. Her journey from the South Side of Chicago to a public figure embroiled in a complex legal battle has shaped her current career as a dedicated advocate.

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• Full Name: Siohvaughn L. Funches (formerly Funches-Wade)
• Date of Birth: September 6, 1981
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 44 years old
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Parents: Frank and Darlene Funches
• High School: Harold L. Richards High School (Oak Lawn, Illinois)
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology; Master's level certification in Professional Counseling from Capella University.
• Children with Dwyane Wade: Zaire Blessing Dwyane Wade (b. 2002) and Zaya Wade (b. 2007)
• Career: Author, Public Speaker, Professional Domestic Violence Counselor, Founder of A Woman's Worth Foundation.
• Published Works: The True Story For God's Glory: The Life of Siohvaughn L. Funches-Wade and You Gotta Let God Finish!

1. The High School Sweetheart Romance and NBA Marriage

Siohvaughn Funches and Dwyane Wade's relationship began long before the NBA fame and multi-million dollar contracts. They met in the fifth grade and started dating as teenagers in Chicago, Illinois.

The couple married in 2002, just before Dwyane Wade was drafted into the NBA by the Miami Heat in 2003. They welcomed their first son, Zaire Wade, in 2002.

The early years of their marriage coincided with Wade's rise to superstardom, including his 2006 NBA Championship with the Heat. Their second child, Zaya Wade, was born in 2007.

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However, the pressures of fame and their personal struggles led to a breakdown in the relationship. Wade filed for divorce in 2007, marking the beginning of a complex and highly publicized legal battle that would last several years.

2. The $5 Million Divorce Settlement and Custody Battle

The divorce between Siohvaughn Funches and Dwyane Wade was finalized in 2010, but the legal drama continued for years, primarily centered on the custody of their two sons.

The final divorce settlement included a substantial financial package for Funches. Wade was ordered to pay his ex-wife a $5 million settlement.

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Beyond the financial settlement, the most contentious aspect was the custody battle. In 2011, Dwyane Wade was awarded sole custody of Zaire and Zaya, a rare outcome for an NBA father at the time.

During this period, Funches made several public and legal claims, including allegations of domestic violence against Wade and even filing a $50,000 lawsuit against Wade's now-wife, Gabrielle Union, accusing her of "stealing" her husband.

3. Her Current Life as an Author and Minister

Following the conclusion of the legal battles, Siohvaughn Funches has dedicated her life to ministry, counseling, and authorship, moving away from the spotlight of her former marriage.

She is the founder and president of A Woman's Worth Foundation, Inc., also known as A Wow Woman Foundation.

This Christian Ministry is devoted to empowering women and raising awareness about domestic violence, a cause she has become a passionate advocate for, using her own experiences as a foundation for her work.

Funches is also a two-time published author through her own publishing company, A Wow Woman Publishing. Her most notable work is the memoir, The True Story For God's Glory: The Life of Siohvaughn L. Funches-Wade, where she shares her personal journey of faith and resilience through the divorce.

4. The Educational and Professional Shift

To support her new career path, Siohvaughn Funches pursued advanced education. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's level certification in Professional Counseling.

This academic background underpins her work as a professional counselor, particularly in the domestic violence space. She currently resides in Georgia and uses her expertise to provide guidance and support to women facing similar challenges she once endured.

This deliberate shift highlights her commitment to a professional life focused on helping others, establishing her own identity and authority outside of the "NBA ex-wife" label.

5. Recent Updates on Her Relationship with Zaire and Zaya Wade

Despite the highly public and acrimonious custody battle, recent reports suggest a more positive, albeit private, relationship between Siohvaughn Funches and her children.

Siohvaughn has shared posts on social media celebrating reunions with her children, Zaire and Zaya Wade, including a heartfelt post about spending Christmas together.

Her son, Zaire Wade, who was born in 2002, is now an adult and pursuing his own basketball career. Her daughter, Zaya Wade, born in 2007, has become a prominent public figure.

While Dwyane Wade and his wife, Gabrielle Union, have been very public in their support of Zaya's journey, Siohvaughn has maintained a more private relationship with her children. The fact that they are now adults allows for a different dynamic, and the recent glimpses of family time indicate a continued, evolving connection between the mother and her children.

The Legacy of Resilience and Faith

Siohvaughn Funches' story is ultimately one of resilience. While her marriage to Dwyane Wade ended in turmoil, her subsequent journey has been defined by her commitment to faith, education, and advocacy. She has successfully transitioned from a basketball wife to a respected author and minister, building a life and a foundation—A Woman's Worth Foundation—dedicated to empowering others through their own struggles. Her work as a domestic violence counselor and her published books, including The True Story For God's Glory, ensure that her voice and experience continue to have a significant impact on women across the country.