Dorothy V. Vaughn

Dorothy was born a coalminer’s daughter on June 7, 1929 in Berwind, WV to Meredith and Ada Deel. After graduation from high school in Cleveland, VA, Dorothy enlisted in the US Air Force. She proudly served at the Pentagon and had the honor of marching in many parades down Pennsylvania Avenue, and was even selected to appear on a recruiting poster.

Dorothy moved to Dallas, TX after her discharge from the USAF and met her future husband, J.B., while they both worked at Magnolia Oil Company (later Mobil Oil). They were married on November 25, 1956 and were blessed with twins born in 1959.

Dorothy and her family lived in many exciting places during J.B.’s time with Mobil, including Texas, California, Alaska, Colorado, Louisiana and Indonesia. They loved taking the children and exploring everywhere they lived. J.B. and Dorothy retired in 1986 to Tyler, TX where they enjoyed being near family and dear friends. Due to J.B.’s health problems, they relocated to Tallahassee, FL in 2001 to be closer to their daughter.

Dorothy loved to travel and felt so fortunate to have visited most of the US and many countries throughout the world. She had many talents but gardening was her passion. Every place the family lived became a showcase of flowers, admired by many. Dorothy loved to read, work crossword puzzles and take her daily walk. She completed her first 5K race at the age of 81!

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, J.B. Vaughn and her daughter, Beth Vaughn of Tallahassee. Survivors include her son, Ben Vaughn (Marijo) and two grandchildren (Justin & Marisa) of Purcellville, VA; daughter-in-law Ronda Sutphen of Tallahassee; brother Scott Deel (Jean) of Kingsport, TN; friends Nancy Villmer and Angel Hardee of Tallahassee; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home, Covenant Care Hospice and Harbor Chase for their professional and kind caring of Dorothy. We took comfort in knowing that she was in a safe place for the past 6 ½ years.

Dorothy will be interred with J.B. at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. A memorial service will be held at a future date at her beloved Sandy Ridge, VA.