Celebrating The Life and Legacy of Velda Vaughn

Ecclesiastes 3:1–2, 4 "To Everything, There is a Season, And a Time to Every Purpose under Heaven: A Time to Be Born, And A Time To Die: A Time To Plant, And a Time To Pluck up That Which is Planted. A Time to Weep," And A Time To Laugh: A Time To Mourn, And A Time To Dance."

Velda Vaughn, the third eldest of five children, was born on April 14, 1964, at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, to the late James Taylor and Lovate Craft. On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Velda peacefully crossed from time into eternity, surrounded by the promise of everlasting peace.

She was a faithful member of Mt. Calvary Chapel under the leadership of Pastor Roger Singleton and Pastor Cassie Sallis. Her mother, Lovate Craft, often encouraged her to use her gift of conversation as a witness for the Lord. Velda embraced that encouragement, never meeting a stranger and always finding a way to brighten someone's day with her warm personality and genuine spirit.

Velda attended Midland Lincoln High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1982. She later continued her education at Duff's Business Institute, demonstrating her commitment to personal and professional growth. She was known for her outgoing personality, quick wit, and unforgettable sense of humor. Her laughter was contagious, often leaving her laughing until tears filled her eyes. A true people person, Velda possessed a natural helping spirit and a heart for serving others.

She dedicated her life to caring for people as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a profession that perfectly reflected her compassion, kindness, and selflessness. While she touched countless lives through her work, her greatest pride and joy were her family. Velda was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved fiercely and unconditionally. Everyone who knew her knew that her three sons and grandchildren were the center of her world. She was their biggest supporter, fiercest protector, and most faithful defender.

Velda will always be remembered for her infectious, unmistakably loud laugh, her unwavering honesty, and her remarkable strength. She found happiness in life's simple pleasures—cheering for America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys, reading a good book, writing, completing crossword puzzles, or conquering another level of Candy Crush.

She was deeply loved by her family and cherished by many friends, especially her best friend, Yvonne Selby (Bonnie). Her compassion, generosity, and steadfast devotion to those she loved have left an enduring legacy that will never be forgotten.

Cherishing her memory is her husband of more than 40 years, Theodore "Leech" Vaughn Jr. from whom she was separated, her loving sons, Theodore (Amber) Vaughn III, Antonio (Teirra) Vaughn, and Braxten (Jessica) Vaughn; 16 cherished grandchildren; one precious great-granddaughter; her brothers, Bernard (Tynese) Taylor of Brooklyn, New York, Lonnie (Tammie) Craft of Industry, Pennsylvania, Ervin Craft of Midland, Pennsylvania, and Sheldon Walker of South Carolina; and her sister, Latoia (Isaac) Taylor of Thailand, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. She also leaves to cherish her memory her longtime companion of 27 years, Michael Salter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Taylor and Lovate Craft; her brothers James "Piggy" Taylor and Tracy Walker; her son, Travis; her daughter, Mya; and her beloved grandson, T'Quan, whom she loved beyond measure.