May 8, our beautiful mom, Carol completed her journey to a better place… and wow, what a light she leaves behind. She was a single working mom of three boys with the all challenges that come with that, and we treasure every minute we had with her. She was our first and greatest teacher who instilled in us a work ethic that has provided each of us with success. But she also taught us how to have fun and how to get the very most out of life. She taught us with kindness, patience and an open heart. Her lessons went beyond books, showed us to see the good in everyone and never to judge others. Her warmth, love and wisdom guide us every day and are the treasures we carry always.
Our mom always had something to say — usually hilarious, slightly inappropriate, brutally honest, and somehow also the best advice you didn’t know you needed.
She loved her plants, her beautiful garden, and honestly, she carried herself just like one of her flowers — a little wild, impossible to control, and blooming exactly how she wanted. She also loved her students at Austin High School, and made a lasting difference in their lives.
Carol moved through the world with a gentle grace, like the flutter of tiny wings. She was a teacher to all who crossed her path. She shared knowledge as freely as sunlight through leaves. Her heart beat quick with wonder, never missing the shimmer of a hummingbird at the window. In every quiet moment, she listened to life’s soft music and taught us to pause and marvel. Though she has flown beyond sight, each hummingbird carries her spirit, whispering that love and beauty are never truly gone.
Fly high, Mom… have a couple of neat tequilas for us up there, and keep everybody laughing the way you always did down here. You will be remembered with so much love, laughter, chaos, and joy.
Carol is survived by her three sons and their families. Eldest son, Edward P. Vaughn and his wife, Imelda C. Vaughn, her grandsons Nikolas P. Vaughn and Mikael D. Vaughn and her bonus grandson, Ethan Brock. Her second born son Evan Vaughn and his wife Jennifer Vaughn and her beautiful granddaughters Elizabeth and Evelyn Vaughn who she loved very much and loved to spoil as often as possible. Her last-born son but biggest in heart, Solomon Gardner and his wife Marybeth Gardner and her beloved grandchildren Evan, Hunter and McKenzie Gardner. She adored each of them with all her heart. Her love for her grandchildren was equal to the way she loved her sons throughout life and will be a testament to their futures. She will look over them, giving them guidance and comfort just as she did us. Carol was preceded in death by her sister, Stephanie Lynn Bates but is survived by her sister’s children Shawn (Marco) Viramontes, Simon, Shea (Ben) McCormack, Stacey (Barrett) Whittington, Stafford and Jaxon. She also leaves behind all her teacher friends from Wiggs and Austin High School who cherished her. She is also survived by long-time love and companion, Mark (Skip) Torres.
A memorial for Carol will be held August 2, 2026 at First Presbyterian 1340 Murchison for the first sermon of the church day followed by a gathering at the Keystone Heritage Park and the El Paso Desert Botanical Garden, 4200 Doniphan Dr, El Paso TX 79922 from 6pm to 9pm.
