Wanda Ogden

Wanda Taylor Ogden, 74, of Ellerslie, Georgia, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 due to complications related to cancer. Wanda had a remarkable gift for making others always feel welcomed in her presence. Wanda prioritized strong family values and shared deep connections with her family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Evangel Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held following the service at Parkhill Cemetery. Please join the family for a time of worship and remembrance.

Wanda was born on August 25, 1951, in Columbus, Georgia, to Charlie and Murkel Taylor. She was a beloved and devoted wife, a loving and caring mother, a fun and entertaining Grammy, a loyal sister, a concerned aunt and cousin, and a steadfast friend. Wanda touched the lives of many with her subtle sense of humor, warmth, deep compassion for others, and unwavering loyalty to everyone she knew and loved. She never met a stranger without offering a gentle hug and her charming smile. Wanda epitomized an empathetic heart, as she reached out to others with generosity and interest. She was as tough as she was tender. Her friends appreciated her honesty and sassy personality, which characterized their relationships. Wanda often reminded them, "Don't ask me if you don't want to know!"

Wanda graduated from Jordan Vocational High School in 1969. She maintained many of her high school friendships throughout her life. She went to work in the dental field after high school where she met the love of her life, her devoted husband, Bill Ogden.

They married on January 8, 1972, and celebrated 54 wonderful years together. They were blessed with two sons, Eric Ogden and Lance Ogden. As a family, they were members of Evangel Church in Columbus, Georgia, for 40 years. They were blessed with wonderful daughters-in-law, Mandee and Aubrey Ogden. Mandee and Aubrey shared a special relationship with Wanda, becoming like daughters to her. From whipping up delicious family dinners or sharing lots of laughter on the back porch, their friendships blossomed and grew richer over the years.

Wanda worked in a dental office since high school. Knowing this was her calling, she graduated from Columbus College in 1992 with a degree in dental hygiene. She worked for Dr. Murray Newlin and Dr. James Winchester for 25 years.

During Eric and Lance's teen years, soccer consumed the entire family. Wanda and Bill traveled all over the state of Georgia watching their boys play the game they all loved. They "lived and breathed" the sport, especially during the years the team competed for state championships.

Wanda would tell you that her greatest joys in life were her eight grandchildren: Tatum, Taylor, Brayden, Khushboo, Kashila, Asher, Rabina, and Ellie. She cherished the memories of traveling with them to state parks, the Little White House, Plains, Georgia, and other landmarks in the state. Most of the time, they ended their day trips with lots of laughter while sharing a big meal from Chick-fil-A. Wanda also hosted many Saturday night sleepovers with her grandchildren, ensuring they were dressed and ready for church the next morning. She never missed an opportunity to support any of them, whether it was at a school concert or an awards program. She took great pleasure in watching several of her grandchildren attend college to pursue their passions.

After retiring, she became devoted to serving the girls of Teen Challenge. Driven by her love for these girls, she ensured her presence at Sunday services where she prayed with them and was surrounded by their loving hugs. She frequently hosted luncheons to honor them after the church services. She was an active participant in several small group Bible studies. She never missed an opportunity to worship and give glory to God, even during the last years of her illness. She faithfully praised God for her wonderful and blessed life, confessing God's Sovereignty over every season in her life. Her cherished Bible verse, one she clung to with unwavering faith during the final years of her life, was Isaiah 43: 2-3 (NKJV): “When you pass through the waters, I will bewith you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

In her final days, Wanda passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family and faithful friends. Her husband, Bill, her sister, Renvia, and the entire family dedicated themselves to her care, ensuring all her needs were met. Wanda never had to worry about meals, as Renvia made sure of that. Bill was always by her side, never missing a doctor's appointment or any outing she wanted to enjoy.

Other than her parents Wanda is preceded in death by her siblings, Eleanor Williams, Lamar Taylor, Peggy Slaughter, Byron Taylor, and Gloria Watson.

Wanda is survived by her husband, Bill, sons, Eric (Mandee) Ogden, Lance (Aubrey) Ogden, eight grandchildren, sisters Patricia (Tommy) Brister, Renvia (Danny) Hunsinger, and a host of nieces, nephews, and many cousins.