Elizabeth Vaughan

1930 - 2017

Elizabeth Massengale Vaughan, 86, of Mineral Wells passed away Saturday, April 15, 2017. Service: 1 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2017, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 302 NW 6th St. in Mineral Wells. Visitation precedes the service from 10 a.m. to noon at the church. Burial follows in Woodland Park Cemetery. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church in her memory. Elizabeth was born Aug. 24, 1930, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Jack and "Beth" Massengale. She was raised in Fort Worth and attended Arlington Heights High School prior to the family's move to Mineral Wells, Texas, in 1946. Elizabeth graduated from Mineral Wells High School in 1947 and graduated from Texas Christian University in 1951 with a degree in biology. She married John "Shotgun" Vaughan of Mineral Wells in June of 1951. She pursued a teaching career as a high school biology and chemistry teacher for 18 years prior to earning her master's degree from TAMU. Her career in public education continued for 10 more years as senior counselor at Mineral Wells High School. Elizabeth and John lived in Mineral Wells for almost 60 of their 65 years of marriage. She was a steadfast Christian, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, public school teacher, counselor, community volunteer, bridge player, and lifetime learner. She was an active member of First Christian Church of Mineral Wells since 1946. She taught Sunday school and served as a den mother to Boy Scouts and troop leader to Girl Scouts. She also served as sponsor to the Mineral Wells High School cheerleaders, Z Club, and various other student groups. Elizabeth's strong faith and commitment to the youth of Mineral Wells gave her life a sense of meaning and purpose. Elizabeth preceded in death by her parents and elder brother. The family wishes to express gratitude to caregivers, Marcelle Smith, Katie Pruitt, and Christy Beaird, as well as nurses and personnel of Hospice Plus for care and kindness over several years as Elizabeth's health declined. Survivors: She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, John M. "Shotgun" Vaughan; son, John K. Vaughan of Dallas, grandson, Kyle Vaughan, and great-grandchildren: Caden and Emery, of Fort Worth; daughter: Julia Vaughan and son-in-law: Jonathan Dowben, of San Antonio with children: Lauren, Ashley, Sydney, and Michael, sister: Mary Anne Culpepper of College Station, and numerous nieces, nephews, and in laws.