Joyce Davis Vaughn; Feb. 6, 2013
Joyce Davis Vaughn of Madison, passed away in comfort and peace, Wednesday at Huntsville Hospital.
Joyce was born in Indianapolis, Ind. to Floyd R (Fatty) and Ada Lee Gore Davis and spent her childhood years in Hart County, Ky. where she graduated from Hart Memorial High School and attended Western Kentucky University.
Joyce, as a high school cheerleader, married her high school sweetheart, Dennis Vaughn, and landed in Southeast Huntsville in 1966. She was active in SE Huntsville as a Physical Education teacher, YMCA Girl’s Youth Director, and Grissom High School Sorority Sponsor throughout the 1970’s.
Joyce and Dennis moved to Front Street in Madison in 1983. Completely emerging herself into the local community as usual, Joyce became the City of Madison Personnel Director, where she eventually retired after 20 years, during the explosive growth period of the city. During this time she was also one of the first two women to be certified as a High School Basketball Official (AHSAA) in the state of Alabama. Even after retiring as a referee she could and frequently did call the grandchildren’s games from the stands providing verbal assistance to the officiating crews. A staunch supporter of Dennis’s career in government service for the air force and army programs, she was awarded the honorable Artillery Order of Molly Pitcher Award in recognition for her support for our Military troops worldwide. Joyce was a member of Madison United Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Madison Station Historical and Preservation Society and many other city government and civic organizations.
Joyce is survived by her husband of 55+ years, Dennis; sons, Rob (Wendy) Vaughn of Huntsville, and Ron (Candi) Vaughn of Decatur; daughter, Julie (Jim) Oswell of Huntsville; grandchildren, who affectionately will miss their “Granny”, Ashley, Jayce, Sarah, Kody, Hogan (preceded Joyce), Dillon, Caitlin, Tyler, Madison, Cassidy, Natalie, and Logan; and great-grandson, Elijah; and sister, Phyllis Ralston of Hardyville, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Joyce was conducted at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, 2320 Bob Wallace Ave in Huntsville at 2 p.m. on Sunday with visitation period on Saturday from 5 till 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you contribute to the charity of your choice in Joyce’s name. (www.laughlinservice.com)
