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Emily Vaughan Obituary
April 8, 1995 - November 1, 2014
Youngsville
Emily Taylor Vaughan, 19, of Youngsville, NC, went to our Father in Heaven, Saturday, November 1, 2014. She was born April 8, 1995 in Raleigh, NC to Ted and Carol Vaughan.
Three words have been commonly associated with our Emy: Strength, Inspiration, and Compassion.
Facing many medical adversities since infancy, enduring the physical and emotional hardships they brought, Emily has shown us a true fortitude of will, and resilience of spirit.
But Em's health would not wholly define her life. Regardless of her status, people meeting her for the first time would not imagine that that part of her life existed. Emily liked it that way. And we all knew that Emy had a full share of joy.
She was bright, yet flighty; quirky, yet philosophical; emotional, yet intellectual; strong-willed, yet instinctively and necessarily obedient; light and hilariously funny, yet abundantly dramatic; fiercely independent, yet needful; careful, yet bold; a dreamer, yet a realist; and the purest rebel you could ever know.
Emily often spoke of God's will for her in this life, yearning to understand His purpose for her, and eager to fulfill it for Him. But we mortals might easily guess that she's been serving His purpose since the day she came to us.
She had a natural and endless capacity for understanding and caring, and an ever-open gateway to her heart. Every life she encountered, she touched, and in varying ways that are known, that are yet to be discovered, and may never be revealed.
Thank you God, for your gift.
We want to extend our profound gratitude to Emily's donor families; to the countless medical professionals at UNC Hospitals, Raleigh Pediatrics, and others who cared so well for our daughter, returning her to us even, over these many years; to Ted's professional colleagues, the EAS, LLC family, for their patience and support though many trying times; and to the innumerable family and friends who supported us and our daughter so unfailingly. We are humbled.
Emily is survived by her parents, Ted and Carol Vaughan of Youngsville, NC; sisters, Hanna Moret Vaughan, of the home, and Crystal Gail Humphries of Cincinnati, OH; niece with Crystal, Clara Annabelle ; and one soon to be nephew. Emily is also survived by her grandparents, Larry and Betty Vaughan of Cincinnati, OH, whom she held dear; and by countless, loving family and friends.
Emily was preceded to Heaven by grandparents, Lamont and Donna Stanley, of Cary, NC; Uncle Steven Vaughan of Cincinnati, OH; and Aunt Cathleen and Uncle Joseph Winkie, of Durham, NC.
The family will receive guests on Monday, November 10, 2014 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. A private service, and her laying to rest, will take place at a later time in Raleigh Memorial Park.
For online condolences, visit www.MitchellatRMP.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Emily's name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation by visiting www.eastnc.wish.org or UNC Children's Hospital at www.ncchildrenspromise.org/give.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emily Vaughan
Crystal Bailey
December 28, 2014
Emily was one of my favorite patients. I had the pleasure of being her nurse a few times. I remember one time in particular when she had been in the hospital for weeks without going outside. We went down to the butterfly garden and just talked about life. She was such a sweet and inspirational young woman. I am very sad that she has left this world but I'm certain the angels are happy to have her with them. Rest wonderfully Em. You are truly missed!
Curt Stanley
November 15, 2014
Emily was one of the most courageous people I know. I was very honored to be a pallbearer at the service which was perhaps the most heartwarming service I have ever witnessed and is a testimony to the tremendous love everyone had for Em. Patty and I are so sorry and are keeping you all in our prayers.
Curt and Patty
November 12, 2014
Dear Carol, Ted and Hanna, so sad to hear of Emily's passing. My heartfelt condolences, you're in my thoughts and prayers.. Alice Stefanisko..Salisbury, Ct.
Devon Winkie
November 11, 2014
My Em,
To use mere words to convey who you are to me, let alone all those who were blessed to know you, is an impossible task. Listening to others over the past days; their thoughts, their memories of you, have been humbling. Those of us that are “family” all feel that we know the “know” the real Emily. However, what I have learned is that we all knew you. You never faltered in who you were, without you even realizing it. Yes, you went through stages, multiple stages, but during those stages, you were always “you”. You continued to touch people; you continued to be a light in our lives. Through all your rants and “drama” you never lost the ability to be there for all of us you loved, and man did you love those around you! I told your dad tonight, through all of my questions, research, and ramblings about religion, the answer I have been seeking has been right in front of me for 19 years. I've always said you were a gift. You are a gift from God. All those times when I or others have asked “If you are a true and real God, please give me sign” you, Emily, are that sign; your family that you have worried over, is that sign. Your life, your soul, is proof. Selfishly I detest that you are no longer here among us on earth. At the same time, I rejoice that you are amongst the angels where you belong. You are truly a gift; you were and continue to be an angel amongst us.
Paul Jarman
November 11, 2014
Emily,
Words can not express how sad I am to hear of your passing. I only knew you for a few short years, but I have never met anyone like you. You were an amazing person, you were always smiling and laughing. Always so nice and sweet. I will never forget you and our crazy funny, silly conversations. I miss you Emily. I love you. Rest in peace you beautiful wonderful girl you.
Elizabeth Davis
November 11, 2014
as a nurse, my number one job is to make one of the hardest times of you and your family's life a little better. that by advocating for you, using evidence-based practices, caring for you like you were my own, and being as goofy as tolerable, you are better off now than you were 12 hours ago.
when i started nursing there were a handful of patients (and the families attached to them) that helped me form what kind of nurse i am and showed me that i was doing what i was made to do.
last saturday i lost someone who helped form me into the nurse and the person that i am. i have always cherished the time i had with emily and the impact she made on me and everyone around her. she was so smart, curious, silly, wise, kind, genuine, and good for a laugh (or eight). the world lucked out to get to keep her as long as it did and i am so thankful i got to be a witness to it.
Lucy Mackie
November 10, 2014
Emily,
you were such a bright, sweet, giving and wonderful person. You were taken to soon. I know your not hurting anymore and are at peace but so many people are going to miss you and will always love you. You will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace...
Lucinda Humphries
November 10, 2014
Im so Sorry for your loss Ted, Carol and Hanna. Rest in Paradise Emily..
Daniel Barton
November 10, 2014
Emily,
You were a such a blessing in my life. I thank the Lord for all of the many years of friendship that we had. You had the love of God in you, and I am so glad to say that you fought well up to the very end. Emily, always know that I will miss you, but please know that you are seeing the Beautiful face of Jesus, and I rest knowing that you have always been a special friend. Thank you for coming to the choir concert in May. I will be thinking of you, and I will miss you. Tell Jesus that I say hi. Thank you Lord for Emily.
Loving her buttered and cheese pasta.
Vicki Almay
November 10, 2014
In this time of sadness and loss we all need to hang onto those memories of Emily and how she touched each person she met. She was put here on this earth for such a short time, however she touched more people and enriched more lives than people that have lived many many more years. I hang onto three special memories. The first was a sleep over (what fun) when we went shopping and she wanted to buy her mother new PJ's...the laugher and jokes were priceless. The next was her eating and loving plain butter and little cheese pasta. And lastly (and certainly not all of them) was my visit to see her a few weeks ago....in which I wanted to try to get a real little pig into the hospital....had to settle for a stuffed one but the look of JOY on Emily's face was wonderful. We may never understand or know God's plan in taking Emily home , but we need to stay strong in our faith and belief that God makes no mistakes. As I go out in this early morning air and feed my farm animals (especially the pigs) I know Emily is smiling down on us all.
Daniel Barton
November 10, 2014
Hanna,
In this time of missing Emily, know that you are loved by many who will support you in this time. God will see you through this, and He will heal your heart. I will pray for you Hanna. Emily was such a blessing in my life. Know that Emily is safe with Jesus.
Love you and your family.
Daniel Barton
North Carolina
Daniel Barton Cary, North Carolina
November 9, 2014
Through the pain of missing my Em I am so truly blessed to have met so many wonderfull people through Em over the years!She is able to be Tigger now!
Ruth Tripp
November 8, 2014
Carol & Ted and Family, We were so sad to read of the passing of your dear Emily. We were friends of her grandparents Donna and Lamont Stanley of Kildaire Farms in Cary. We remember very well little Emily and her medical adversities and supported her in prayers and fund raisers for her surgeries. God Bless this angel who is now with her family members in Heaven. Prayers for all of you. Sincerely, Ruth & Roland Tripp of Cary, NC
This is a photo from the day I first met little Emily and Hanna.
November 7, 2014
November 7, 2014
My heart and prayers go out to your family. Annalee (my daughter) included me along Emily's journey with her. It was a blessing to be able to send cards to Emily during her younger years. Beautiful girl, beautiful heart for God!
Patti O'Brien
Peoria, AZ
Nancy Consorte
November 7, 2014
Dear Carol, Ted, and Hannah, I am so sorry about Emily's passing. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all. God bless you and keep you strong through all you have to endure. Please know we are all praying for you and your family. I remember Dot telling us about Emily when she was an infant, and how special she was even then. I am so happy I met her and spent some fun times with her. She will remain an inspiration to so many people, and remain in the hearts of everyone who knew her.
Shawn and Chris McAdoo
November 7, 2014
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of you sweet Emy. We are forever changed for the better having known you and know that you will forever be with us. You are my hero Emily and I am honored to have been able to love you. Rest well sweet girl. Until we meet again......
The McAdoos
November 6, 2014
Our lives are much richer by having known Emily. She was very special to us.
Ella Mae and Hardeo Jaimungal
Kathy Whyte
November 6, 2014
Kathy Whyte
November 6, 2014
Kathy Whyte
November 6, 2014
Kathy Whyte
November 6, 2014
Kathy Whyte
November 6, 2014
Kathy Whyte
November 6, 2014
Kathy Whyte
November 6, 2014
The Hanchey Family
November 6, 2014
Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful girl that we will miss dearly. So glad that we were able to move to NC and become part of your lives. We'll remember Emily's great laugh. We loved her laugh. We grieve but not as one without hope. We know that one day we will see Emily's sweet face and hear that laugh again. Until that day. We love you all,
Sandie Morgan
November 6, 2014
I wish I knew what to say to take away the hurt. Em was a beautiful girl inside and out. I remember meeting her when she was 2 years old. From that time till now she always had a smile on her face. We are going to miss her. But the love for her will never stop. God bless you and yours. We love you so much......
James Awbrey
November 6, 2014
my darling emily i well forever hold u close to my heart i well miss you so dearly
Carlos & Em 2003
Carlos & Annalee Reyes
November 5, 2014
Who would've thought that one moment during a visit to a hospital with a baseball team would have knitted our hearts to a most rare treasure for eternity. The moment we walked in Emily's room, we were instantly connected. What a gift. What a gift. Eleven years later, we say the same thing. She's a treasure that has made us better people. Nothing has changed, even now...she is still being her amazing self but with all the completeness needed to fulfill the rest of her destiny and story. It's only begun. And one day, we'll join you in another chapter sweet girl. Because we know intimately The One you are with, we smile at the fullness of That Love you are experiencing. But for you Carol, Ted, Hanna and the rest of Emily's beautiful family and friends, we grieve with you...lifting you all up in the most heartfelt prayers. All our deep deep love to you! Carlos and Annalee Reyes
Jennifer Shreve-Sturchio
November 5, 2014
A true blessing taken too soon. Much love to your Family. You fought a good fight sweet child. You will be missed. Love, Jennifer, Hannah, Logan, Louisa, & Marley
Steven Rogers
November 5, 2014
Emily I only knew you for a couple years, but it felt like we had been friends forever. I am grateful for the time we spent together. You will be missed. I Love you. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cyndy Winkie-Ward
November 5, 2014
Miss Emily, you are truly loved by so many. She had the best of both Carol and Ted, and was so loved by Hannah. You will be dearly missed. God is welcoming you with open arms. Peace to your family and friends.
Cyndy, Randy, Brittany, Cassidy and Noah
Katherine Barton
November 5, 2014
Dearest Emily, you fought hard and were such a brave, strong girl through all you had to go through. You always had compassion for your friends and anyone in need; you were such a joy to know. Daniel and I will miss you. We believe we will see you again in Heaven and that you are there now with our Lord Jesus; one day we'll get to join you, and we'll never be apart again. We love you, Emily, and we celebrate the life you lived and the joy that you brought to many, many hearts.
Jackie Hamilton
November 4, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a brave young woman.
Hailee Thompson
November 4, 2014
Emily was the strongest & most loved person I know. She overcame everything with a smile & would try to make everyone else smile before herself. I love you Emily Taylor, Rest Easy; See you soon.
Peggy Smith
November 4, 2014
I will always admire your inner strength, beauty, and kindness. You will always be in my heart and dearly loved and missed
Byron Barton
November 4, 2014
Emily, you endured so much and complained so little. What a privilege to know you and to share some of your ups and downs. I believe that now you are in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ and that you are experiencing the peace that we can't even imagine. We honor your life and the precious daughter you are.
David Weber
November 4, 2014
Emily was a very special young lady, she was loved and will be missed by everyone.
God Bless.
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