By Genoa Barrow | OBSERVER Senior Staff Writer

Whether it was working as a pioneering sociologist, commanding respect in the classroom or championing the cause of African Americans with regional decision makers, Cordia Wade possessed a fair share of drive and astuteness. She had gumption.

The revered community elder passed away Aug. 5 at age 89.

Cordia Chambers was born in Venice, Illinois on Sept. 29, 1934. Her mother and stepfather Lula and Marshall Thomas moved the family to Sacramento in 1944 before she turned 10 years old. They soon joined Kyles Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion, the third oldest church in Sacramento. It would be Cordia’s spiritual home for 80 years.

She also entered into another long-term relationship, meeting and tying the knot with John Wade. The two were married 70 years and had two daughters together, Janis and Anita.

Wade was small in stature, but stood tall in everything she put her mind to. An educator who commanded respect, she taught at American River College for more than 25 years. She led classes in sociology, ethnic studies, human services, and gerontology. Outside the classroom, Wade held several leadership roles at ARC, including serving on accreditation teams and chairing the school’s sociology department.

She was a sociologist at a time when there weren’t many Black women in the field. She championed the hiring of more minorities and women as faculty as the affirmative action coordinator for the Los Rios Community College District and through an award-winning internship program, she helped develop.

“Our community has suffered a great loss with the passing of Cordia Wade, whose unwavering dedication to education, family, and community left a mark on all who knew her,” said ARC President Lisa Cardoza. “She spent 25 years helping shape both the sociology and gerontology programs, supporting students on their educational journey for decades to come.”

Wade was a member of the ARC Gerontology Advisory Committee and served on the External Advisory Committee to the UC Davis Center on Healthy Aging. She also worked for the legislature, both in the Assembly and Senate.

Wade retired in 1996 and while enjoying her status as professor emeritus, continued to lend her time and expertise to advisory committees and boards throughout the region, ensuring that needs and concerns of African American seniors were included in discussions on the region’s aging population.

“Cordia was a trailblazer,” said longtime friend and fellow community advocate Faye Wilson Kennedy.

The two served together on a statewide aging commission, where Wade took care of business and cut through a lot of “BS.” The two were also members of the Sisters Quilting Collective, a group that preserves African American history through the art of quilt making.

“She was an encourager,” said former SQC chairperson Lillian LeBlanc.

When LeBlanc was first elected to the role, she recalls bending, being much taller than Wade, to whisper in the older woman’s ear and expressing doubt about leading the group. She lowered her voice because she didn’t want others to overhear.

“I’d just met her and I said, ‘Mrs. Wade, I don’t think I can do this.’ She said, ‘Oh, yes, you can.’ She was a smart woman and the queen was tough,” LeBlanc said.

Fellow educator Dr. Otis Scott, a dean emeritus at Sacramento State, agreed.

“I have the highest regard for Professor Wade,” Dr. Scott said. “She was collegial and supportive of my efforts to develop a curriculum focusing on the experiences of Pan-African people.”

Dr. Scott is credited with transforming the university’s ethnic studies program, beginning in the early 1970s.

“I recall specifically the valuable information she provided when I was developing a course on the Black family. She was a well respected teaching professional and she will be missed,” he said.

Using Your Power For Good

Cordia and John Wade donated to worthy causes like the Sacramento Literacy Foundation and the Foundation Aiding the Elderly. When her own mother, a pioneering beauty shop owner, passed away, Wade established a $500 scholarship in her name in 1990, the ARC Lulu Thomas Memorial Scholarship.

“This scholarship stands as a testament to Cordia’s deep compassion to supporting both students and the community,” Cardoza said.

In their “golden years,” the Wades became active in local Senior Games, winning numerous sporting medals and inspiring other elders to stay physically fit.

Cordia Wade also found time to be actively involved in her beloved church. She worked tirelessly for Kyles Temple to be recognized as a local historic landmark. It’s the third oldest Black church in Sacramento and Wade served as its historian. She also volunteered in other areas, chairing building funds, anniversary and homecoming committees, an annual Women’s Day and the Senior Usher Board.

“Sister Cordia Wade was a beacon of knowledge and passion, meticulously documenting our church’s journey for over 50 years,” said pastor Rev. Dr. Brandon Fisher.

“Her dedication to preserving our history will allow future generations to understand and appreciate the legacy of faith and community that has shaped us in the Oak Park community. Her dedication to the community and Kyles Temple have left an indelible mark,” Rev. Fisher continued.

Wade’s contributions earned her numerous accolades, including honors from the Sacramento Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women and the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, which named her a Hero of Human Services. The OBSERVER named her among its community legends in 2003.

Wade was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Arnell “Tommy the Barber” Thomas, Zelphray Chambers, Marshall Thomas Jr., and Marjorie Hopkins. She is survived by her soulmate John Wade; daughters Janis Wade and Anita Massey; son-in-law Calvin Massey; grandsons Calvin Massey II, Jeremiah Barnes and his wife Ashley, John Massey and his wife Tashaun Massey; and five great-grandchildren.