Thelma Geraldine Vaughan

Mother Thelma Geraldine Vaughan spent her life serving in many roles: Mother, Teacher,Evangelist,Entrepreneur. From her early adulthood,many of those years were as a member in her beloved Church of God In Christ. So often many of those who were touched by her generosity and caring spirit were "children in need." Our kind and generous Mother was called to her final role of service--an angel to the Lord--mid-day on Saturday, October 27,2007.She began her life here in Richmond, Virginia,as the youngest of two children(her brother,Daniel Webster(Web)Booker is deceased). She was born in Henrico County(now 28th St.in Richmond)on December 8, 1920. She attended George Mason Elementary School through her first grade year and then she and her parents moved to New York. Upon her parents' death,little Thelma moved to Manquin,Virginia,where her grandmother,Mrs.Ida Thomas,reared her. She attended King William County Public Schools through eighth grade, and then she enrolled in Hamilton-Holmes School where she studied Business Administration. Mother Vaughan was converted to Christianity at the age of twelve and joined Rock Springs Baptist Church. She married at a young age and of that union six children were born. Anne Geraldine Vaughan Booker,Ollie Linwood Vaughan,Jr.(deceased),Gerald Carlton Vaughan,Thurmond Samuel Vaughan,Constance Virginia Vaughan King(Howard,PhD.)and Anthony Oswald Vaughan(Towanda). At eighteen,Jesus came into her heart and she was saved,sanctified,and filled with the Holy Spirit. She then joined the Church of God In Christ,where her first Pastor was the late Bishop David C. Love.Mother has served in many official and unofficial capacities during her long membership with COGIC. Among them have been:Church Secretary,Sunday School Teacher,District Sunday School Superintendent(the only women ever appointed to that position in our Jurusdiction),and Sunday School Representative. On May 17, 1966, the late Mother Anne L. Bailey,the National Supervisor of the Women's Work,appointed Mother Vaughan the State Supervisor of the Virginia Women's Department,Jurisdiction-VA #1,where she served for forty-one years. In 1994,Mother was appointed to the Advisory Board of the International Women's Department COGIC. Mother often traveled sharing the Word of God through many programs that provided"spiritual growth and development within the Women's,Children,and Youth Auxiliaries. Some of them included the District Missionaries,Missionaries,Sewing Circle,Purity Class,Sunshine Band,Cradle Roll,Hospitality and her infamous Baby Contest. She was a huge advocate for the Women's Department and motivated them not only to learn but support their causes as well as the church through Silent Auctions and other activities which continued to grow annually. she was a leader who molded and creates other leaders for the Church. It did not matter whether male,female,adult or child,she would show you the way,correct you with much love, and expect you to continue the Works of God. While Mother Vaughan spoke softly("Baby","Darlings,""Sweethearts," were words she often used before making a request or providing a word of wisdom)her words carried a loud message. Her light touch seen today in many of the leaders locally,state-wide,and regionally is exhibited in how they rally together,work for a vision, and carry themselves whether in our services,at home,or in our communities. If you place a scarf or handkerchief across your lap today,you know it was Mother who probably taught your mother,aunt,or sister to do that!Her favorite songs were "I Won't Complain" and "One Day At A Time." A favorite scripture of hers was Proverbs 31:10 which she often used when bringing a message on "A Virtuous Woman." Mother was endowed by the Holy Ghost to choose unuque subjects when teaching us. Among them were "Leaves Only" and "You Need A Fix"--the message she taught at a Bishops Conference in Dallas,Texas at the invitation of Bishop J.O. Patterson.Mother Vaughan leaves to cherish her loving memory not only six national children,one sister-in-law,Doris Booker,but also thirteen grandchildren:one devoted granddaughter,Deborah D. Vaughan,Wanda B. Vaughan(Charles H.),Gwendolyn A. Moody,Belinda N. Booker,Tina V. Page(Brian),Angela V. Vaughan,Gerald C. Vaughan,Jr.,Michael Vaughan(Renith),Thurmond S. Vaughan,Jr. Wayne Vaughan,Napoleon Alston,Terrance Vaughan(Lisa),Anthony O. Vaughan,Jr.;and fifteen great-grandchildren:McKenzie Vaughan,Tara Vaughan,Chelse Hill,Annalise Anderson,Kameko Alston,Jeffery Moody,Napoleon Alston, Aaron Anderson,Thurmond Vaughan,III,Joseph AlstonKevon Nichols,Andre Hill,Alexander Anderson and Julian Page. She also leaves to cherish her memory, many cousins,friends and her devoted Church Family,too many to name and not forgotten by her, as she touched each of them in a special way.Her physical body is gone;her spiritual presence will continue to be felt. "The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy Spirit. Grace be with you. Amen." (II Timothy 4:22)

Tributes

Thelma Geraldine Vaughan

December 8, 1920 - October 27, 2007