On Sunday, January 28, 2018, Brenda G. Vaughan, 76, also known as Gramsy, died to gain (Philippians 1:21). She passed at Riverside Regional Medical Center 11 days after brain surgery from an injury likely stemming from an October automobile accident. Due to compassionate medical care and the great mercy of our heavenly Father, she passed peacefully with her husband and daughters at her side.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Audrey Gunn.
She is survived by J. Thomas Vaughan, her husband of 57 years; daughter and son-in law, Beth and John Syer; daughter, Chris Warhurst; granddaughters, Madison and Grace Warhurst and Vaughan and Virginia Syer; two brothers, Randall and Michael Gunn; sister-in-law, Michele Gunn; nephew, Matthew Gunn; and nieces, Madeleine Gunn, Courtney Dorsey, Diane Monaco and Margie Snead.
Brenda grew up in Virginia Beach, with fond memories also of her time with cousins and family in Petersburg and Blackstone. In high school, she was a majorette, and her love of dancing never faded!
After graduating from Virginia Beach High School, Brenda joined First & Merchants Bank, where she met Tom. After the bank, she worked at the Department of Defense at the Pentagon before leaving to dedicate her love and energy to her family.
Brenda blessed Tom by happily moving every seven years or so as his banking career demanded. Wherever they were — the great cities of Staunton, Richmond, Martinsville or Williamsburg — she created warm and beautiful homes, both for the family and their friends, as the doors were always open. When Brenda wasn’t busy in the home, she was active in the family’s churches, schools and communities. The commitment to her family never waned.
Besides dancing and the company of her family, Brenda enjoyed reading, Bible studies, art classes, museums, choir and choral singing, her wine and dines and other times with close friends. Her daughters will tell you that in addition to the childhood memories she created, their mom’s greatest gift to them was her spiritual legacy — knowing the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Family and friends are invited to a service and reception at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Alvin Anderson Auditorium, Williamsburg Landing, 5700 Williamsburg Landing Drive, Williamsburg.
Share online condolences with the family at nelsenwilliamsburg.com.
