Mary Louise Wynn Vaughn entered her rest in the Lord on November 18th, 2023 at the age of 79. She was born in Newport News on October 1, 1944. Mary was raised as the only child of the “most caring, loving and wonderful” parents, Leroy and Jane Elizabeth Wynn.
Mary Lou as she was often called in her younger years loved reading, learning and excelled in academics as a student starting with Mrs. Suber’s Kindergarten and then Newport News Public Schools. She was a member of the 1962 George Washington Carver HS graduating class and earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology/English minor (Hampton Institute) and a Master of Arts in Elementary Counseling from Hampton University.
Following her graduation from Hampton Institute she was a summer hire at Old Dominion University’s Summer Speech Clinic. She was the first person of color to be hired by the department. The following fall she began her employment with Hampton City Schools. Mary retired from Hampton City Schools after 33 years; 23 years as a speech pathologist and 10 years as an elementary guidance counselor. She worked in several of the district’s schools where she formed many lasting friendships. She described her career choices as “satisfying and very rewarding”.
A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Golden Soror Mary was initiated 58 years ago into the Gamma Theta chapter, Hampton Institute (University). She was a proud member of the Lambda Omega graduate chapter where she served on various committees over the years including Courtesy, Scholarship, Sisterly Relations Founders Day, and High School Senior Girls.
Mary was a member of First Baptist Church East End for over 60 years and served in several ministries including Golden Key Club, Senior Usher Board, and Women’s Chorus. She also volunteered in positions as an involved parent, serving as Cub Scout Den Mother, HU Booster, and Boo Williams AAU basketball volunteer.
Growing up in Newsome Park she shared many fond stories of her many adventures with friends, many of whom she kept close relationships with throughout her entire life. Mary met, fell in love with, and married her high school sweetheart, the late Larry Dalton Vaughn, Sr. in 1966. Their 50-year union held countless memories that served as a testimony of love and marriage to their three children.
Mary was patient, wise and a good listener, with a positive and resilient spirit that emanated from her faith in God. Her ministry was her empathy and gratitude for others. She not only loved her family but loved her neighbors, her sorority sisters, her friends, her children’s friends and had genuine concern for everyone’s big and little trials, making it a point to pray for all of our needs. Never a pretentious person, she was just herself and gave everyone the space to do the same. She always made you feel welcomed and accepted with a smile and encouraging words for every person she knew or met.
Mary loved all animals and had a special soft spot for dogs, especially her rescued companion, Ginger. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of shopping with Ginger and often sparking uniquely heartfelt conversations with the people whom they encountered, as she never met a stranger. Her other favorite pastimes were gardening, music, walking, drawing, sightseeing, spectator sports, spending time with family, and helping others.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory and carry forward her legacy of kindness three proud children: daughters Kyra Brown, Kenya Todd (Reggie) both of Concord, NC and son, Larry Vaughn II of Hampton, VA; beloved sisters Alberta Bennett of Camden, SC, Sue Prescott of Cassett, SC, and Mary Rey, of Hampstead, CT; brother Phillip Perkins of Hartsville, SC; brother-in-law Roger Vaughn (Loretta), sister-in-law Rovet Cypress; beloved granddaughters Olivia, Alexandria and Nora and extended daughter, Monick Robinson of Newport News, VA, extended grandsons Brandon, CJ and Casin and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends she cherished as family.
Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held 12:00 noon Friday, December 1, 2023 at First Baptist Church East End. The service may be also viewed using the following link: myfbcee.org
Entombment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Mary Louise Vaughn, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
