Shirley Vaughn
Shirley Washington Vaughn, 65 of Victoria, passed away on March 22, 2021.
She was born in Victoria on October 7, 1955 to the late John Henry Washington and Eunice Washington. Shirley’s biological parents passed away when she was just a child and was truly blessed, at the age of six to be nurtured and deeply loved by her aunt and uncle, known to her as Mama Ella and Papa Frank.
At an early age, Shirley gave her life to Christ and united with Pure Light Baptist Church, Vanderbilt, TX under the pastorate of Pastor T. B. Blake. Later in life, she moved her membership and became an active member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Edna, TX under the leadership of Pastor Garry L. Roberts Sr. Shirley was a devoted youth sponsor with the biggest heart for giving.
After moving to Victoria, Shirley attended Greater Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, but leaving her membership at the church she called home, Shiloh. Until her last days on earth, she embraced her sickness with a smile, making everyone laugh with her comical spirit as she always did. She had a sense of humor with anyone she met.
Shirley never met a stranger and often welcomed many into her home. As one young lady stated, “she was the ‘Community Mother’.”
Shirley graduated from Industrial High in 1975, where she had many friends. She attended Victoria College and graduated as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in 1985 and began her career in 1985 at the Edna Hospital, where she worked for many years. Shirley had a special relationship with her co-workers at Edna hospital where she met her best friend, Youlonda Allen Robinson. The two remained best friends until her death, as Youlonda held her hand until she took her last breath.
Shirley was later employed at DeTar Hospital where she worked until her health failed. During her tenure at DeTar, Shirley was awarded, “Employee of the Year.” Shirley was also a member of the Shades of Color Professional Club.
Shirley was preceded in death by her biological parents, her nurturing parent, Frank and Ella Brown, two sisters Ella B. Washington and Roxy Washington, and one brother James Washington
. Shirley leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Stephanie Vaughn, of Victoria and Stacie Vaughn of Colorado; one son, James (Cindy) Vaughn of Yoakum; three sisters, Eunice (Floyd) Alert of Houston, Lucy Smith of Washington, DC and Alice (Lawrence) Prince of Edna; four brothers, Bobby Washington, John (Pat) Washington, Morris Washington and Tommy Washington all of Houston; six grandchildren, Sahniya Vaughn, Christian Vaughn, Symphony Vaughn, Mia Vaughn, and Asia Vaughn Belk and Senyutavious Gatson and a host of relatives and friends. The Celebration of Life will be held with a viewing on Friday, April 2, from 11 AM to 2 PM at Heaven’s Gate Funeral Home, 412 N Main St., Victoria, TX. Service will be held on Saturday, April 3, 11:00 AM at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Edna. For Covid safety practices, we will observe social distancing and wearing a face mask is required.