Vaughan, Roberta Pearl McClendon (Mrs. Robert W.)
5/23/1959
October 9, 1875 - May 23, 1959 |
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| In the senior class of Kidd-Key College, Sherman, Texas, in the year 1895, was Roberta Pearl McClendon. Tall, erect and graceful, she walked every inch a queen. Her talents and her equipment sent her directly to the schoolroom, where her friendly personality, shining eyes and kind voice won attention and loving respect. Win. Cowper was right: “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.” It was not right f or Berta McClendon to be limited to one school room, important as that was. Her gifts and abilities ‘beckoned her to wider fields of service. Along came that young Prince Charming, Robert W. Vaughan, to whom she was married in 1897. Then, for about eleven years, this lovely couple served as “Shepherds of the Flock” at several charges In the Louisiana Conference. They were blessed with five children, Robert Hendrlx, Carter Sale, Mabel Louise, Bessie Lucille and Roberta Charlotte. Then the great change came! Brother Vaughan was appointed as Superintendent of the Louisiana Methodist Orphanage at Ruston, Louisiana, where he and his beloved wife labored for twenty-eight years and four months, until his retirement in 1937. Only time will reveal the wonderful Influence for good exercised by this consecrated couple, upon the lives of boys and girls who passed through the doors of our Methodist Home! Here Mrs. Vaughan’s talents and splendid ability were displayed in a magnificent way. She became “Mother” not only to her own five children, but also to the hundreds of homeless orphans who with grateful hearts could rise up today and call her blessed. She was affectionately known as “Mother Vaughan.” As King Leinuel says: “Who can find a valorous woman?” Mrs. Vaughan was faithful and eminently worthy in every relationship: As a wife she was faithful and devoted; As a mother, she was loving and wise; As a homemaker, she excelled—her home-made delicacies were known far and wide; As a personal friend, she was loyal and true; As a friend of the crushed ‘and needy she was understanding and kind; As a Christian, she was consecrated and devoted to her Church, her home and community. She was born in Lisbon, Louisiana, on October 9, 1875. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. R. T. McClendon. She died in Ruston, Louisiana, surrounded by her family and friends, May 23, 1959. She is survived by her husband, Dr. R. W. Vaughan, and two daughters, Mrs. W. F. Manning, Ruston, La., and Miss Bess Vaughan, New Orleans, La.; two sisters, Mrs. G. A. Kennedy, Rayne, La., and Mrs. W. S. Rudasill Brownwood, Texas; seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and a host of friends, who will hold her in loving memory. Her funeral was held In Trinity Methodist Church, Ruston, Louisiana, with her pastor, Dr. Virgil Morris, officiating. Good-bye, dear friend, I shall see you in the morning! |
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| Source: Journal Annual of the Louisiana Conference of the Methodist Church, Pages 222-223, 1959 by Mrs. R. E. Smith. | |
