Mrs. Esther Mae Vaughn

Esther's Story: Celebrating the life and legacy of our mother, Esther Mae Vaughn. Born on March 13, 1932 in Shelby, North Carolina to Lucille and Joseph Barnett II. She was the second oldest of four children; sisters, Doris Merriweather lives in Southfield, Michigan and Joann Vallot lives in Sun Lakes, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Barnett III and brother-in-law, Oscar (Johnny) Vallot. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1941 where Esther attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1951. She accepted Christ as a child and converted to Catholicism before marriage. After a year of dating, she married her first love, Prosper (Pete) A. Livingston in 1954. To this union they had two children, Dr. Ronald A. Livingston and Andrea D. Livingston. She graduated from Wayne State University College of Nursing. She found fulfillment in her career as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency room at Henry Ford Hospital where she was employed for several years. Esther enjoyed membership in various organizations including, Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, The Chums, Detroit Moles and Red Hat Society. She served as the First Lady of the Rogues and was an active member of the Wolverine Dental Auxiliary and the Auxiliary to the National Dental Association (ANDA). On March 23, 1974 Esther married Dr. Richard A. Vaughn. They enjoyed an active social life filled with love, family, and friends. Their many travels included Alaska, Asia, Mexico, and the Caribbean. In 1995 they retired to Sun Lakes, Arizona where together they built a home. Richard preceded her in death in 1998. Esther loved her family, her greatest joy being her only grandchild, Dr. Blake Livingston. She was very proud of him and always welcomed an opportunity to share his accomplishments with anyone that would listen. She was known for her beautifully manicured nails, sophisticated style of dress, elegant jewelry and her cooking. For Esther, traveling and entertaining family and friends was always a delight. If you were fortunate enough to be in her company you knew she always found a way to enjoy life to the fullest. We had many laughs together and enjoyed her many humorous sayings, such as wearing "high heel bip boppers," her sense of humor will always be remembered. Esther was courageous, she faced life's challenges head on. She had an unmatched determination, loved fiercely and lived abundantly. Esther peacefully made her transition on Friday, February 1, 2019.

Mrs. Esther Mae Vaughn

March 13, 1932 - February 1, 2019