Lucinda Coretha Vaughn, "Luci", was born September 14, 1945 to Coretha Vaughn Saunders and Benjamin Franklin Winfrey in Brooklyn, New York. She gained her heavenly wings March 7, 2021 at the age of seventy-five in Winston-Salem, NC.

Ms. Vaughn is preceded in death by her mother and father, her grandparents Hattie Lipscomb Vaughn and Eddie Lee Vaughn, two sisters Vanessa Saunders and Patricia Burns, two brothers Alphonso Saunders and Michael Saunders.

She leaves to cherish her memories a devoted and loving daughter, Tichina R. Vaughn of Dresden, Germany; a grandson, Kristopher Edward Lawrence of Berlin, Germany; a granddaughter, Kiana Rochelle Lawrence of London, England; two sisters, Dorothy Vaughn Oliver of Atlanta, GA and Linda Vaughn Gunthrope of Winston-Salem, NC; two brothers, Evander T. Griggs, Jr. (Sandra) of Winston-Salem, NC and Dale F. Saunders of Statesville, NC; a loving foster sister, Bernice Irby of the city; and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.

Lucinda graduated from Atkins Senior High School in 1962 as valedictorian of her class. She attended Bennett College in 1963, later transferring to Wake Forest university in 1966. She completed her education at Salem College where she earned a Bachelor's degree in 2002.

After serving as a Chairman's Preferred Personal Representative at US Airways, now American Airlines, for 34 years, Luci retired and was able to indulge her passion for travel and adventure. Additionally, she embarked on a mission to serve the community she loved and fulfill her civic duty by volunteering and working for many organizations. Among them are her service as Vice President of the Dreamland Park Neighborhood Association; Co-Chair of Citywide Kwanza Committee; Project Leader at Delta Fine Arts Center, Tour Leader at Old Salem; and Board Member for the Triad Cultural Arts Organization as well as the Piedmont Aviation Credit Union Advisory Board. As a volunteer she has served the RiverRun International Film Festival, was an OPERAtor for Piedmont Opera Theater, and served as Volunteer Coordinator and Front of House Manager for the National Black Theater Festival of Winston-Salem, NC. An avid reader she could often be found at the East Winston Library and was a member of several local book and social clubs. She was a dedicated member of Union Baptist Church and enjoyed participating in the Greeting Ministry.

As an actress she appeared on stage with the North Carolina Black Repertory Theater Company, on television in the TV series Matlock and on the big screen in the feature film Amos and Andy starring Samuel Jackson and Nicholas Cage.

As a vendor of handmade arts and crafts Luci produced and sold unique items that reflected her African heritage and pride. Her infectious smile and extraordinary presence will be sorely missed around the city, the triad, and the world.

A viewing will be held from 1pm until 6pm Monday, March 15, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

Private funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 16, 2021.