Angela Nicole Vaughn, born September 3, 1983, went into the welcoming arms of Jesus on Tuesday, July 26 while her family sang her favorite Hymns at her bedside. She was 38 years, 10 months, and 23 days old.
Being aptly named Angela, meaning Angel, messenger of God, she was a miracle. In infancy Angie was diagnosed with a very rare disease, Dihydropteridine Reductase Deficiency, an enzyme deficiency of the brain. Being only one of three children in the world with this disease. Not expected to live beyond the age of 13, nor learn to read or write; Angie surpassed all expectations. Even learning to paint and knit in adulthood, creating gifts for family and friends. She was a model for the 1991 Lofenalac Special Kids Calendar and recipient of the Fulfill a Dream, going to Disney World.
Despite her medical condition, Angie delighted in joking, laughing, singing, especially in church; and spending summer vacations camping and visiting theme parks with all the family. But her favorite of all was eating out. Her ability to find joy in the simple things of life was contagious. Constantly reminding us of the true meaning in life.
Angie brought such joy with her formal language, when speaking to her sister, referring to Mom and Dad as “my parents”. Every person in her life was met with hugs and love. Her heart and spirit were pure kindness.
Preceded in death by her brother Anthony Vaughn; grandfathers Leon Vaughn and Floyd Smith; and grandmother Wilma (Slater) Smith, uncles and aunts: James Wiscour, Les Vaughn, Maxine Wiscour and Rema Smith.
Angie is survived by her parents Tony and Diane (Smith) Vaughn; sister Kerry and Scott Stark; grandmother Fayreen (Yandell) Vaughn; and nieces Abbigail and Katelynn Stark. Angie leaves a legacy with her extended family of aunts and uncles: Glenda, Steve, Melissa, Jeff, Brent and Jerry as well as cousins: Kristin, John, Lexi, Chris, Calista, Damon, Dakota, Madison, Rachel, Dustin, Porter, Brandon, Mary, Fay, Ryan, Hannah, Bethany, Jacey, Emily, Jackson, Jenny, Christine, Sarah, and Heath.
Angie’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 29, 2022 at the Union Hill Church in Union Hill, Arkansas with Rev. Zack Hale officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Angie’s pallbearers will be Steve Lunsford, Chris Vaughn, John Haggard, Dustin McKibbin, Damon Vaughn and Dakota Vaughn. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Stark, Jeff Vaughn, Brent Smith and Jerry Smith.
Angie’s visitation will be Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.
