Ms. Lillian Vaughn

In His own way, and for His own purpose, God has reached down and plucked from his garden the most beautiful flower. Lillian M. Vaughn was born on August 13, 1917 in Quitman, Mississippi to Thomas and Willie Mae McGee. She was the fourth child of ten children and remained in Quitman until she married Sylvester Vaughn and relocated to Moss Point, Mississippi. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Sylvester, as well as only son, James Edward, but survived by her three daughters, Willie Dell, Marjorie Ann, and Bettye Jean. Lillian and Sylvester instilled in their children the importance of school attendance, good grades, doing your best, and maintaining a strong belief in God. Lillian modeled a life of service doing for others and treating everyone she encountered like family. She was known to be an excellent cook and was always willing to help others that were in need. As a devoted member of the Church of God, Sister Lillian Vaughn is the last of the original five organizers of the Moss Point Church of God. Working tirelessly along with Hattie Mae and Cohen Nelson, and Sisters Sowell and McBeath, the early members·ensured the church was established on a firm Christian to,undation. Sister Vaughn was a leader within the Women's Mission and regularly provided meals for the pastors and their families, as well as feeding the congregation. Together, the founders coordinated revivals, participated in camp meetings in Farm Haven, and collaborated with other congregations across the state of Mississippi to build and grow the church. When storms came and there was no place to hold services, the group would hold services in Sister Vaughn's living room. The legacy that she founded in the Moss Point Church of God continues to live on and provide a guiding light to the current members of the church. Once she moved back home to Quitman in 2006, Lillian resumed her active membership at the Elwood Church of God, the same one that she attended as a child. Lillian is survived by two younger siblings, George McGee and Clara Evans, as well as her three daughters, Willie Dell, Marjorie, and Bettye. Her loving grandchildren include Karen Riggins, Tracy Ford (Joseph), Shari Blakley Carter, Joel Blakley (Veronica), Arvid Edward H, Reginald Bridgman, Tiffany Dawson, Sylvan Edward, Dion Edward, Marcus Vaughn, Marcell Edward, and Christopher Walker. Her legacy of good works will also continue through her host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren as well as her extensive network of close friends and extended relatives. Lillian will be missed greatly, but the legacy that she leaves behind will last a lifetime. God blessed her with a great life and longevity. At her sunset, February 24, 2023, she was 105 years, 6 months, and 11 days old. What a blessing!

Ms. Lillian Vaughn

August 13, 1917 - February 24, 2023