Betty Lea Vaughan

Betty was born February 7, 1925 in Austin, Texas. She was the only child of Howard A. Lea and Bernice Puryear Lea. She grew up in Austin where she made many lifelong friends. She attended Pease Elementary and graduated from Austin High School in 1942. Betty attended The University of Texas at Austin where she was a member of the Chi-Omega sorority. It was at UT, where she met her future husband, Thomas Leo Vaughan, in class. They married on February 27, 1945 and were married until his death 46 years later. After Tommy's time in the Navy concluded, Houston, Texas became their home. During her years in Houston, she and Tommy enjoyed a loving marriage, raising their daughter, and a number of special friendships. Betty was very social and belonged to many groups: dance clubs, bridge clubs, a gourmet club, and a poker club. There were many people that considered Betty their best friend, and she never met a stranger. She and Tommy enjoyed traveling with friends. She also volunteered at the Bluebird Auxiliary and was a member of St Luke's Methodist Church in Houston.

After Tommy's death, Betty returned to her roots and family in Austin, reconnecting with many childhood friends. She spent the last two decades enjoying her friends and her ever-growing family. She could often be found at lunch with a friend, attending a grandchild's wedding or graduation, or celebrating at one of her great-grandchildren's birthday parties. She was so proud of her ever-expanding family. Betty was an only child who had one child herself. With her 11th great-grandchild recently born, she leaves behind a legacy of love for family. Her sharp wit, endless stories, and her great smile will never be forgotten.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Leo Vaughan, who died on March 24, 1991.

Celebrating her life and mourning her passing are her daughter, Debbie Vaughan Hicks, her granddaughter Kristen Hicks Hanson and her husband Ben, grandson Robert Steven Hicks Jr. and his wife Carrie, grandson Brandon Vaughan Hicks and his wife Heidi. The greatest joy for "Mimi" in these final years, were her 11 great-grandchildren: Jackson Benjamin Hanson, Harrison Vaughan Hanson, Hardin Lea Hanson, Kennedy Jane Hanson, Robert Steven Hicks III, Elizabeth Helen Hicks, Henry Landon Hicks, Katherine Eleanor Hicks, Madelyn Ann Hicks, Paige Lea Hicks and Carter Brandon Hicks.

Although she will be dearly missed, her family takes comfort knowing that she has finally reunited with Tommy, the love of her life.

Visitation is at Weed-Corley-Fish in Austin on Sunday, July 26, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., located at 3125 North Lamar Boulevard. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home Chapel, located at 13001 Katy Freeway in Houston.