Carol J. Vaughn

Carol loved life, was a woman of deep faith, and courageously fought her illness till her final breath. Twenty years ago she was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Yet by the grace of God, she defied medical odds and was given an additional 15 years of cancer-free life. Carol and her husband, George, were grateful to God for this gift of extended time and they committed to live life to the fullest. They traveled, vacationed with their children, and created a home and family that loved the Lord and loved people. Even when Carol was diagnosed with Peritoneal Cancer in 2003, she continued to live a life full of joy and adventure.

Upon tests at M.D. Anderson in late 2003, it was discovered that Carol carried the BRCA-1 chromosome, which rendered her body with no immunity to the cancer.

Carol's love for her family and friends superseded her burden of physical suffering and gave her the strength to fight for so long. With unwavering faith, courage, determination, and hope in God, she endured 4-1/2 years of continuous chemotherapy, a feat even Dr. Lu at M.D. Anderson said few would believe.

Carol is survived by her husband, George P. Vaughn; her son Greg P. Vaughn and wife, Summer; her daughter, Shelly R. Barone and husband Derek; along with four precious grandchildren: Cole, Brittan, and Carsen Vaughn and Cade Barone. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Florine P. Vaughn.

All of our hearts rejoice because Jesus came and took her hand and led her to her eternal home. Our hearts also ache because she has made our earthly home so heavenly.

The Vaughn family is eternally grateful for the compassionate care Carol received from Dr. Karen Lu and Nurse Nicki Webb at M.D. Anderson, as well as Dr. Boyce Oliver, Dr. Kathleen Halka, and Nurse Patti Winship of San Antonio.

Those who desire may make memorial contributions to the Oak Hills Church, designating the Vaughn Memorial for the Mentoring Moms Ministry. Carol truly loved mentoring young mothers, and she impacted the lives of so many through her ministry.