Valerie Diane Vaughan

Valerie Diane Vaughan, a resident of New Orleans, passed away on December 19, 2024 at the age of 61. She is the daughter of Billy Ray Vaughan and Lorene Vaughan and the sister of Gregory Ray Vaughan. She is the longtime partner for 28 years to Roberto Gonzalez.
She grew up in Houston, TX but loved New Orleans so she moved here and made New Orleans her home. Valerie was a graduate of North Texas State University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Music. She also attended Delgado Community College in New Orleans, graduating with a degree in Architecture and Interior Design. Valerie had a deep appreciation for the arts, particularly opera, and often visited historic plantation homes along the river to admire their architecture.
She enjoyed shopping for antiques on Magazine Street and took pleasure in designing homes for others. Valerie's love for music led her to join the gospel group Shades of Praise in New Orleans, where she could sing and share her passion. In her free time, she also loved cooking, gardening, and arranging floral bouquets.
Valerie had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her cats Rex, Goldie, and Ricky, as well as her little dogs Reggie and Georgie. She was an avid fan of Mardi Gras, the Mad Hatters, and had a particular fondness for wearing her special hats, especially on Derby Day at the Fairgrounds.
A passionate traveler, Valerie cherished her trips to France, Spain, Rome, Venice, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. She was especially moved by her visit to the Vatican during Pope John Paul II's presence. Above all, Valerie valued her friendships, loved helping others, and was a devoted Christian. I'm sure she went straight to heaven guided by all the angels. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Services at St. Clement of Rome Church, 4317 Richland Ave. Metairie, LA 70002 on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with a Mass starting at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4900 Airline Drive Metairie, LA 70001. To order flowers or offer condolences, please visit www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.