Dorothy Walker Vaughan's Obituary
Dorothy Walker Vaughan
Dorothy Walker Vaughan, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend left this world to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 22, 2004 at Highland Pines in Longview.
Mrs. Vaughan was born in Beeville, Texas on August 3, 1924 to Pinkie and Alton Walker, the third of eight children. She graduated from Poteet High School. She was married for twenty-five years to the love of her life, Raymond Edward Vaughan, Jr., who preceded her in death in 1976. Her beloved sister, Dr. Netta Grandstaff and brothers, Tom, Lee and Alton Walker, Jr. as well as sisters-in-law Lois Vaughan Ketchin and Melba Walker and son-in-law, Jeff Druepple also preceded her in death.
Dorothy and Ray Vaughan moved to Longview in 1951 for Ray to assume a position with the new Texas Eastman plant, and where Mrs. Vaughan began a life dedicated to raising a family and serving their church and community. Having three daughters, the Vaughan family all became extremely active in the Camp Fire organization with Dorothy?s work starting as leader of each of their daughter?s Blue Bird groups. She also served on the Board of Directors of Camp Fire, was president for three years and became the Executive Director of the East Texas Council after Ray?s death. The skills acquired in this level of work led her to a position as a Council Management Consultant on the national level. Her service to Camp Fire was recognized with the presentation of the Charlotte Joy Fransworth award, the Shawnequas award and the Wakan Service award.
The Vaughan?s were faithful and active members of First United Methodist Church in Longview where Mrs. Vaughan served as Superintendent of the Children?s Division and as a teacher and counselor in the Elementary division. She had a passion for guiding and teaching young children. Mrs. Vaughan was also active in serving the church?s ministry work at the Asbury House, was on the Council of Ministries and the church?s Administrative Board. She was a member of the Thelma Morgan Sunday school class.
Mrs. Vaughan?s other community service involved being President of the Valley View PTA, volunteering through the Good Shepherd Medical Center as a Pink Lady, the Gregg County Historical Museum as a guide and devoted much time and energy in campaigning for the United Way Foundation. She was a member of the Longview Study Club, the Longview Art Museum, the Longview Symphony and the Longview Community Theater. She had a love of music and the arts and always enjoyed lending a helping hand to these organizations whenever needed.
An avid gardener, Mrs. Vaughan was a member of the Hughey Crest Garden Club for many, many years. She had an intense love for all things that grow and everything she touched Flourished. She also received her Real Estate Brokers License and owned and maintained rental properties primarily in the Longview area.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Addie Druepple of Independence, LA, Kate and Bob Metz of Lafayette, CO, Lori and Rene` Hughes of Longview, and brother, Ralph Walker of La Pryor, and brother and sister-in-law, Darral and Gloria Walker of Katy, sister and brothers-in-law, Shirley and Dr. Joe English of Devine, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Walker and Barbara Hensarling and numerous nieces and nephews, Mrs. Vaughan is also survived by her grandchildren, whom she dearly loved, Ryan Hargrave of Sugarland, Adam Arnold of Dallas, Elise Arnold of Tempe, AZ, and Haleigh Hughes of Longview.
Visitation will be held at Rader Funeral Home in Longview from 4 to 6 PM Sunday, January 25, and services will be held Monday, January 26, 2004 at 2 PM in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Marrone officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Park in Longview.
The family would like to thank the staff at Highland Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the years of tender care of Dorothy and Greater Hospice of Texas for their guidance and family support.
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