Obituary of Helen Pitts Vaughan

Helen Maria Pitts Vaughan, age 100, of Lynchburg, VA (formerly of Roanoke) died on Friday, April 29, 2022.  She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Cleatus Vaughan.  In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, John Leake Pitts, Sr., and Mary Bernice Allen Pitts; brother, John Leake Pitts, Jr.; and daughter in law, Janice Vaughan.

Helen is survived by her sons, David Vaughan (Janie) of Lynchburg, and Gary Vaughan of Lexington; grandsons, Rawley Vaughan (Melissa) and Carter A. Vaughan (Ashlee) ; and great grandchildren, Catherine Vaughan, Hunter Vaughan, William Vaughan, and Theron Vaughan.

Helen was born at her paternal grandfather's farm Elk Hill in Goochland County Virginia.  The family moved to Roanoke when she was a child, growing up in Roanoke.  She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1937.  After attending Mary Washington College for one year, Helen moved to Washington, DC and worked as a secretary in the War Department until 1945.  In May 1942 she met Cleatus Vaughan at a USO dance in Washington and they were married in December of 1945.  In 1947 she graduated from Roanoke College.  

While Cleatus was attending pharmacy school at the University of Oklahoma, she taught business courses at Norman High School.  Upon returning to Roanoke, she was a homemaker and a stay-at-home mom.  When her sons were older, Helen returned to teaching and taught the 4th grade at Mountain View Elementary school in Roanoke County for eleven years.

During her childhood and youth, she attended Green Memorial Methodist Church.  Upon returning to Roanoke, Helen was a member of Bethany Methodist Church and then a Charter Member of Northview United Methodist Church.  For over 60 years, she was actively involved in her church.  Helen was gracious and generous with her time and talents.  She enjoyed playing bridge, square dancing, working complex jigsaw puzzles, and cooking for her family.  She was devoted to her family, relatives, and friends.  She was a kind and loving lady who was universally described as "so sweet".

In 2015, Helen moved to Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg.  The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff for all their love, compassion, and care of Helen; especially those of the 5th floor Drinkard Health Care Center.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donors please consider a donation to Northview United Methodist Church.

A graveside service will be conducted 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2022 in Evergreen Burial Park 1307 Summit Avenue Roanoke, VA by the Rev. Doug Sassar.  A celebration of Helen's life will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Northview United Methodist Church 521 Ridgecrest Drive Roanoke.VA  The family will receive friends following the service.  Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home.  540-366-0707