Dorothy Whitman Vaughan

Dorothy Whitman Vaughan was born August 16, 1928, in Dallas and passed away in her independent living residence at Presbyterian Village North early on March 7, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ashley P. Vaughan, Jr. and Farlance Whitman Vaughan, as well as her two siblings, Virginia Ruth Williams and Ashley P. Vaughan, III; her niece, Stephanie Williams Bodkin; and her nephew, Ashley P. Vaughan, IV.

Dorothy was a 1946 graduate of Highland Park High School and had an AA degree from Stephens College and BBA (1950) and MBA (1980) degrees from SMU. While at SMU, she was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. From her early years, she was an active parishioner at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Dallas.

During the majority of her business career, Dorothy was employed by the Dr Pepper Company, Green & Hoffman and Leonard Green Family interests. In her post-retirement years, she was self-employed as a business, accounting and investment advisor.

Throughout her life, Dorothy volunteered extensively with various business, charitable and political organizations. She served as Corporate President of Executive Women International, Dallas Chapter President of Executives’ Secretaries, Inc., Treasurer of The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, and in varied capacities with organizations associated with Presbyterian Village North.

Further, Dorothy was a student of The United States Constitution and held many leadership roles throughout her life in grass roots efforts supporting conservative constitutional government.

Dorothy is survived by six nieces and nephews, Lon Williams, Patti Helpinstill, Mike Vaughan, Debbie McGurk, Marilyn Clunie and Stanley Vaughan; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and an even larger number of cousins throughout the US and beyond.

Dorothy was blessed to have maintained 100% of her mental acuity until her death, although her physical capabilities declined in recent years. In that regard, Dorothy’s entire family would like to acknowledge the kind and loving devotion of her personal care companions Freweini Ghile, Selam Petros and Helen Mesfun.

Dorothy enjoyed her many wonderful friends at Presbyterian Village North. To accommodate those cherished relationships, a Holy Eucharist service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, in the Chapel at Presbyterian Village North. A reception celebrating Dorothy’s life will immediately follow. “PVN” is located at 8600 Skyline, Drive, Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s memory may be made to the Church of the Incarnation Foundation, The Salvation Army or the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.