Rosebud Vaughn

Rosebud Lorene Vaughn, affectionately known as "Rose," was born in Atchison, Kansas on October 22, 1932. She was the only child born to Benny Harper and Elizabeth Warnell. Rose was especially fond of her grandmother, Enda Warnell Pinchum, or as she called her, "Tu Momma." Tu momma earned her name because she was momma number two to Rose and she played a significant role in raising her when her mother became fatally ill.
Rose attended grades K-8 at Lincoln School where she spent some of her happiest days as a child. Her favorite memories were with Ms. Shelton~ a kind and caring teacher who often relied on young Rosie to take names (of those kids who were misbehaving) and to pass out milk. Rose's mother, Elizabeth, also worked at Lincoln in the school's cafeteria. This meant that Rose had a taste of home away from home.
As a high school student, Rose attended Atchison High School. During those years, Rose was an active participant in several extra-curricular activities, including: student council, girl reserves social club, cheerleading, and the booster club. Rose also had a lovely singing voice and was a lead vocalist, winning her several musical awards.
While in high school, Rose began a courtship with George Edward Vaughn, popularly known as "George Ed." They met at a high school football game where they sat next to each other on the bleachers. At the time, she had no inkling that George Ed would soon become her beloved husband.
After Rose graduated high school, the young couple married on June 13, 1951, in Atchison, Kansas. They gave birth to seven children and in 1968, decided to relocate to Denver, Colorado where they would raise their growing family. After moving to Denver, they had three more children extending their family to a total of ten children.
Rose was a devoted wife and mother~ her husband and her children were her pride and joy. She understood the value of taking care of her home and her family, so she settled in as a homemaker which became more than just her title, it was her calling.
Having five Black children in the 1950's, Rose understood the impact of raising them to be presentable during those segregated times. She had a very strong belief in people looking their best, especially her own kids. Rose's motto was, "When you look good, you feel good," so she was intentional about doing both. Denise, the eldest of the ten, recalls her grade school teachers always commenting on how well-dressed and scrupulously neat she and her siblings were.
Rose was a devoted wife and a committed mother. She and George Ed shared the love of a God-ordained marriage, walking together for over 30 years through peaks and through valleys until his sudden passing in 1983.
After her husband's passing, Rose continued to spread her love and generosity because giving to others brought her great joy. Her life was a testament of Acts 20:35 which reads, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." She was a friend to the friendless, a mother to the motherless, and shelter for the homeless.
Everyone knew, Rose's favorite place on earth was 2701 St. Paul St., in the comfort of her own home. As long as the heat was on 80 degrees, there was a 2-liter of Pepsi in the refrigerator, and a braunschweiger sausage wrapped in a slice of bread with some Dorthy Lynch salad dressing, she was locked and loaded ready for the company of her family and a good movie.
The door was always open at 2701 St. Paul St., and so many can attest to that. Her home was a safe-haven, an inn for the weary, and she was without a doubt, a soft place to land. You could receive a hot meal, comforting words, and a little piece of change all in one place at Rose's.
She also shared a very close and special relationship with her grandchildren. If you were to ask them what their favorite moments were with her, they would all attest to the fact that when you spent the night at grandma's, you had a bath and were dressed in an oversized white t-shirt before bed. She cooked them her famous scrambled eggs and hamburger for breakfast, and beanies and weenies for lunch. She was intentional about being actively involved and supportive in their lives. She was present for every birth, attended school programs, sporting events, and birthday parties, ensured after school pick-ups, and cared for them when they were sick. She was relatable in that she shared countless inside jokes and quoted scenes from their favorite movies. She even looked forward to giving the rundown about their favorite shows such as, "Power", "Greenleaf," and "Scandal."
Rose also had a solid crew of friends and maintained a close relationship with her "OG's" (Original Girlfriends) till the end. They were more than just her friends, they were her sisters. Her closest comrades were Elaine Bronson, "J.J." (Joan Johnson), Mary Lewis, Patricia Linzy, Patsy Linen, and Shebra Betton. She enjoyed and appreciated the time she spent with these women. She shared a separate and special bond with each of them. For example, "spilling the tea" with Ms. Lewis, "riding shotgun with Brawny, "thrifting" with Pat, and "cheering on them Broncos" with Ms. Johnson!
Christmas was Rose's favorite holiday. In fact, don't think she went to her Heavenly Home without a plan! Just days before she transitioned, she prepared her list and was checking it twice. And (unlike Santa), it didn't matter whether you were naughty or nice. She had just the right gift in mind for everyone she loved.
Rose left her children a legacy of love and care. She dedicated herself to her calling by answering with action, selflessness, kind-heartedness and devotion.
Rose is preceded in death by her parents Benny Harper and Elizabeth Warnell; husband, George Edward Vaughn Jr.; children, William Vaughn, George Vaughn Jr. and Melony Vaughn.
Rosebud (Rose) Vaughn departed this life to the Lord's embrace on December 10, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her children, Denise Vaughn of Centennial CO., Gwen Hartsfield, Cedric Vaughn, Frances Vaughn and Stacey Vaughn all of Denver, CO., Derrick Vaughn (Tory) Denver, CO.; Dedra Davison (Charles) of Atlanta, GA.; half-brothers, Daniel Harper of Atlanta, GA., and Wallace Harper of Atchison, KS.; daughter - in - law Kathy Bailey, Marietta, GA; 16 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren;

Visitation : December 16, 2019 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Celebration of Life : December 17, 2019 1:00 pm

Shorter Community A.M.E. Church
3100 Richard Allen Court
Denver, CO 80205

Reception : December 17, 2019 3:00 pm

Shorter Community A.M.E. Church
3100 Richard Allen Court
Denver, CO 80205