WANDA LORRAINE LODGE VAUGHAN

Wanda Lodge – Vaughan was born in Pensacola , Florida on July 1, 1954 to William S. Lodge and Adelene
Lodge. Not long after her birth, her family relocated to San Diego where she was raised and spent the
rest of her life. She was one of seven daughters out of the eight children blessed through their union,
Gloria, Stephanie, Gwendolyn ,Yvonne, Belinda, Velecia and her brother Charles.
Wanda attended local elementary schools, O’farrel Junior High, and Samuel F. B. Morse High school all
in San Diego, California. After her formal education she was extremely determined to go to college,
which she did earning a master’s degree.
Wanda gave birth to Adelene Patrice Adams, Maurice M. Adams, Israel Garcia III and Bennie Gardner Jr.
Wanda was a very determine and committed woman who successfully maneuvered through the work
force by first obtaining employment in the medical field from 1981 to 1985. From there she took a
position with Douglas Oden and Green Attorneys at Law as their legal secretary from 1985 to 1987. She
had a passion to make a difference in her community, so Wanda joined the team at the Boys and Girls
Club located in Encanto. Through commitment and determination Wanda progressed from the Critical
Hours Program Director to becoming the Branch Director overall for the Center. She was responsible for
overseeing programs, staff supervision and training, communications and reports, community relations,
and organization wide assignments.
Wanda’s journey at the Boys and Girls club came about after one of her children became a member. It
was at that time that Wanda dreamed of becoming the first African American Director. In 1997 she was
appointed Vice President for Community Liaison by president, Tom Hazard. While the branch was 95%
African American and 15% Hispanic Wanda is quoted as saying, “I feel that kids should be exposed to
other cultures in their recreational activities to increase their racial tolerance.” She felt that the Boys
and Girls Club was the perfect avenue. After only one year as the Director of the Center, the Encanto
Branch became a major outreach effort to teens. When funding for the center decrease Wanda
successfully persuaded local businesses by expertly and passionately conveying the importance and
significance of the work the club did for the community. She definitely left a road map and a lasting
mark on the Center for years to follow.
Sadly, the sun set on this bright life January 2, 2023. She is proceeded in passing by her father William S.
Lodge, her mother Adelene Lodge , sisters Yvonne and Gwendolyn, Grandfather Frank Justice,
Grandmother Ida Mae Walker, Aunt Willie B Nelson, Aunt Peggy Nelson “Baby” and Annie Justice “Big
Mama”.
She leaves behind to mourn her passing her children, Adelene Patrice Adams, Maurice M. Adams, Israel
Garcia III and Bennie Gardner Jr. Her sisters Gloria, Stephanie, Belinda, Velecia and her brother Charles
and Step- Brother Danny. Her grandchildren Charles, John, Anitra, Danielle, Vincent, Mario, Kelli, Ryder,
Lai-auna, Bryson and Bryton. Great-grandchildren Julian, Savannah, Vincent, Cruz, Nyla, Noah, Jezelle,
Josiah, McKynlee and Tammy.
A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, Wanda also leaves a host of friends and loved ones throughout the world.

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