Jennifer Vaughn Blakely was born on August 10, 1948 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Willis Vaughn and Hazel Williams Vaughn. Jennifer attended primary and secondary schools in Vicksburg. In with her parents, she accepted her Uncle Harry and Aunt Alice Vaughn's invitation to move to San Bernardino, California and to attend high school and college. Following graduation in 1966 from San Bernardino High School, Jennifer attended San Bernardino Valley College before graduating from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) in 1971 with a degree in sociology. In addition, received her master's degree in educational counseling from CUSB in 1976.
Jennifer was fortunate to have a diverse professional career. Initially, she worked with the San Gorgonio Girl Scout Council before working in city government. Jennifer served as Assistant City Manager in Fontana, and as an Assistant to the City Manager in Riverside. In 1996, Jennifer launched a consulting and business management firm, The Sundance Company. Jennifer proudly served at the helm of her company until her retirement in 2019.
Jennifer was a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church since 1964. She was actively involved in a number of civic organizations including the NAACP, The National Council of Negro Women, the Fair Housing Council, The GROUP, the Kutania People, and the Jean Grier Leadership Academy. Jennifer loved a delightful book, beautiful flowers, and a lovely cup of tea. She also enjoyed spending time with her numerous friends and relatives.
Jennifer leaves in passing her husband of 48 years, Anthony "Tony" Blakely, Sr. her beloved son,
Anthony Blakely, Jr. In addition, her siblings, Alice Shelton (Al), Claudette Vaughn, Christine Smothers (Robert), Gwendolyn Williams, and John Vaughn. Jennifer is preceded in death by her sister, Carolyn Vaughn. Jennifer is also survived by her aunt, Dorothy Williams, cousins, Claude Smith, Helen Ross Ruby Ross and brother-in-law, John Blakely, Jr (Florence), sisters-in- law, Benita Roberts (Bob), and Clark, as well as nieces and nephews.
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