Celeste Marie Vaughn

Celeste Marie Vaughn, age 44, of Paris, MO, passed away on October 16, 2025, at University Hospital surrounded by the love of her family after facing cancer with fierce courage and extraordinary humor.
Celeste was born November 15, 1980, in Columbia, MO, to Ernest Vaughn and Jan Duckworth Vaughn. Celeste packed more living, laughter, and love into her 44 years than most manage in a lifetime. She attended Paris High School and worked for many years at Monroe Manor until her initial hospitalization in December 2024. She had a special place in her heart for the staff and residents at the Manor and visited them as often as she could.
She was a devoted mother, a loyal sister, a loving daughter, and a fierce friend-known for speaking her mind, offering her heart, and dancing around the house even on the hard days. Celeste was always on the go, relying on her own two feet to get almost everywhere she needed to be.
Celeste's proudest titles were Mom and Grandma. She leaves behind four children: Hannah, Emily, Paxtyn, and Willow: two raising families of their own and two still growing up. She is also survived by her siblings Nathan Vaughn of Paris, Sara Martin of Moberly, and Alisha Owens of Huntsville, her grandmothers Doris Duckworth of Macon and Charlotte Wohlbold of Moberly, her grandchildren Janika, Anjelika, Liam, Logan, and Hartliee, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Celeste found joy in the company of friends, nail polish in fun colors, country music, watching the Hallmark channel, and her church family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandfather Earl "Buddy" Duckworth of Macon.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. followed by services at 2:00 p.m. at Paris First Christian Church, 108 N Washington Street with Dr. Steve Belko officiating. A private burial will be held for Celeste later at Woodlawn Cemetery in Macon, MO, next to her mom.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Monroe County Cancer Supporters, 18589 Monroe Rd 425, Paris, MO, 65275, or simply take a moment to call someone you love and tell them so-because Celeste never let a day go by without reminding her people how much they mattered. Celeste's family would also like to thank her tribe from Paris for the many kindnesses they showed during her fight-food was delivered, boxes of supplies were left on the porch, utility bills were paid, and her yard was mowed, with most of these acts being done anonymously. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.
Celeste didn't lose the fight-she just ran out of time, but not out of courage.