Shirley Blackwell Vaughn, a devoted educator and cherished family member, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at her home in Hampton, Virginia. She was 95 years old. Born on June 14, 1930, in Greenville, South Carolina, Vaughn dedicated her life to education and her family, leaving behind a legacy of love and commitment.
Growing up in Greenville, Shirley graduated from Parker High School and married Louis William Vaughn Sr. on June 10, 1950. While raising her two sons, she pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lander College in Greenwood, South Carolina, followed by a Master of Education from the University of South Carolina. Throughout her career, she taught in various locations including Greenwood and Greenville, South Carolina, and Fairbanks, Alaska, focusing on special education for children, particularly those who were legally blind. These achievements were among her proudest professional moments.
Shirley cherished her family deeply. Her marriage, the births of her two sons, and the joy of being a grandmother to four grandchildren were defining moments in her life. She was especially proud of her faith, having accepted Christ at the age of 11.
She is predeceased by her parents, James Albert Durham and Edith Caldwell Durham Blackwell, her stepfather Boyce Blackwell, and her husband of 66 years, Louis William Vaughn Sr., who hailed from Simpsonville, South Carolina. She is survived by her two sons: Louis William Vaughn Jr. (aged 71) of Hampton, Virginia, and Richard Felix Vaughn (aged 74) of Poquoson, Virginia, along with their spouses. Additionally, she leaves behind four grandchildren: Diana Banyai (married to Aaron), Amanda Boyd (married to Andrew), Stuart Vaughn (married to Lindsay), and Julia Fabian (married to Tyler), as well as twelve great-grandchildren.
A viewing, visitation, and reception will take place at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home – Southeast Chapel in Simpsonville, South Carolina, on February 24, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, interment will occur at Graceland East Memorial Park in Simpsonville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Shirley’s memory to Clear Spring Baptist Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina, which can be found online at https://clearspringbc.org/. The arrangements are being handled by Peninsula Funeral Home located at 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia 23601.
