Dorothy Alene Vaughn

A graduate of Ooltewah High School, she rose through the clerical business world becoming the personal assistant to Joel W. Solomon both in the private sector, and during his tenure as President Carter’s GSA Administrator; ultimately becoming manager of his local properties. For these accomplishments she was invited in 1978 to be a guest speaker at the National Business and Women National Convention. She later retired as a receptionist at Chattanooga State Community College.

Also an accomplished musician, she traveled extensively to sing in churches and many other events. For a time, she performed with the Chattanooga Opera and the Belmont College Choir. As an avid voice and piano teacher she passed her love of music on to many others. One of her proudest accomplishments while serving in Washington D.C. was organizing and leading a GSA volunteer choir in the rehearsal and performance of Handel’s Messiah. The choir grew so large she had to have two separate rehearsal groups.

A lovingly devoted daughter, wife, mother, great grandmother, and sibling; she is preceded in death by her husband James M. Vaughn, her parents, Robert “Bob” E. Arms and Ola R. Arms; her brother Leslie B. Arms, and sister Evelyn. In life she is celebrated and survived by her brother John D. Arms, sister Lyda Johnson; sons Dr. J. Hartly Varnell, Douglas P. Varnell, Kary D. Varnell; grandsons Michael P. Varnell, Marcus C. Varnell; and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Friday in the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com

Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN, 37421.