Blanche M. Vaughn

Blanche Vaughn, 80, of Topeka, passed away on August 29, 2014. She was born April 22, 1934 in Providence, Rhode Island to Joseph G. and Octavia M. Berry-Cross. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Olive Cross-Tann.

Blanche was raised in Providence, RI until her move to Topeka at the age of 16, where she attended Topeka High School. She later married Otto M. Vaughn. They are divorced.

Blanche had a true calling for helping others, and over the years worked for the Menninger Foundation, Kan Help, the Shawnee County Mental Health Center and Valeo. Blanche retired in 2011.

As a member of St. John AME Church for 40 years, she faithfully sang in the choir and was director of the Men's Chorus. In 2002, she joined El Shaddai Ministries under Pastor E.T. Watson, where she was a faithful Church Mother.

She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Elise Thurman and her husband, Edward; 6 grandchildren, Lea, Taylor, Jordan, Christian Thurman, Edward Jr., Antionne Thurman; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Bobo-Bowman of Newberry, South Carolina; 5 nieces and 1 nephew.

A celebration of Blanche's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 5th at Dove Cremation & Funeral Service, 4020 SW 6th Ave. in Topeka. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service.