Shirley Blackwell Vaughn, a dedicated educator and beloved family member, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on February 11, 2026, at her home in Hampton, Virginia. Born on June 14, 1930, in Greenville, South Carolina, her life was marked by a profound commitment to both her family and her profession.
A Legacy of Education and Family Love
Shirley graduated from Parker High School before marrying Louis William Vaughn, Sr. on June 10, 1950. As a mother of two sons, she balanced family responsibilities with her educational pursuits, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts from Lander College and a Master of Education from the University of South Carolina.
Her teaching career spanned several locations, including Greenwood and Greenville, South Carolina, and Fairbanks, Alaska. Shirley specialized in special education, focusing on the needs of children with visual impairments, which she regarded as some of her proudest accomplishments.
Family and Community Connections
Shirley cherished her family above all, celebrating significant milestones such as her marriage, the births of her two sons, and the arrival of her four grandchildren. She found deep fulfillment in her faith, recalling the day she accepted Christ at the age of 11 as a pivotal moment in her life.
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.. Shirley is survived by her sons, Louis William Vaughn, Jr. (71 years old) of Hampton, Virginia, and Richard Felix Vaughn (74 years old) of Poquoson, Virginia, along with four grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
The family will hold a viewing and visitation at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home – Southeast Chapel in Simpsonville, South Carolina, on February 24, 2026, starting at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Graceland East Memorial Park in the same town. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory can be made to Clear Spring Baptist Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina.
Arrangements are being managed by Peninsula Funeral Home located at 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia.
Shirley Blackwell Vaughn will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to education, her love for her family, and her deep faith, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.