Obituary of Patricia Annette Vaughn

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" 2 Corinthians 5:8. On the evening of August 11, 2024, God called and removed another precious link from our family chain, Patricia Annette Vaughn. In the evening of Sunday, August 11, 2024, (same day her father transitioned), God saw fit to call Patricia to her eternal home. She spent her final days in peace and joy at home with her loved ones. Patricia Annette Vaughn, the daughter of the late Odis and Marjorie Tealer, was born March 25th, 1949, in San Antonio, Texas. She was the youngest of 7 children born to the late Marjorie and Odis Tealer. Her parents, one sister and three brothers preceded her in death. The family moved to Los Angeles, California where she was raised and attended school. She graduated from Gardena High School, in 1967. In April 1974, she joined and proudly served in the United States Army, In May 1994, after serving 20 years and 8 months, she retired from Ft Sam Houston, Texas as a Staff Sargent. During her career, she traveled throughout the United States and Europe. Her favorite duty stations were Munich, Germany and going to Puerto Rico on temporary duty. During her career she received the following service awards: Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with 1 bronze service star), Southwest Asia Service Medal (with 2 bronze service stars), NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and Marksman Badge (with Auto Rifle Bar). In 1977, she moved to her first duty station Ft. Riley, Kansas. In 1980, she was station in Munich, Germany, assigned to the 66th Military Intelligence Group. In 1986, she was stationed at Ft. Meade Maryland and served as the Assistant Administrative NCO for HQ Eastern sector US MEPCOM, servicing over 25 MEPS, ensuring that each were in compliance with regulations, thus enabling quality soldiers to transition into the Miliary. In 1990, she was deployed to Sinop, Turkey, during the Gulf War conflict. She served as the Training and Administrative NCO, USAISC-Turkey, servicing over 250 soldiers, ensuring all sections were 100% in accordance with the MARKS system, resulting in the previous "needs improvement" rating increasing to a commendable rating. Her last duty station was in Ft. Sam Houston, Texas from 1991 to 1994, she served as the Administrative NCO for Reserve component training Branch (DPTMSEC), she coordinated, advised and assisted in scheduling RC annual training, ensuring bulletin, transportation, subsistence, and other administrative requirements were met, resulting in numerous successful annual training rotations. In addition, she serviced over assigned and attached soldiers ensuring all administrative and personnel issues were resolved, resulting in quality service to soldiers and ultimately affecting promotions, reassignments and the overall moral and welfare of USAG. She received a citation award of Army Achievement Medal, Army commendation Medal and Meritorious Service Medal for continually distinguishing herself through her organizational skills and devotion to duty, her consummated efforts contributed immeasurably to the success of the units she served. While stationed at Ft. Sam, Houston, Texas, she enjoyed being a primary caregiver to her late great Aunt Bobby Jean and Aunt Mildred. After retirement in May 1994, she went back home to Los Angeles, California. In 1998, she moved to Joppa, Maryland to be with her daughter Angela " Kim" and her family. Patricia had two children, Angela "Kim" and Tracy who preceded her in death (October 13, 1988). She loved her girls unconditionally. They were the loves of her live. She supported everything they did and encouraged them to live their lives and to do what makes them happy. She loved to dress them alike as if they were twins. She loved to attend their school and sporting events, as she was their biggest cheerleader. She encouraged them to be independent, strong women. Patricia loved to play spades, bid whist, domino's, watch court TV (Judge Judy, Divorce Court), Jerry Springer, Steve Wilkos, and Steve Harvey while snacking on popcorn, pork skins, chips, and candy! She loved and lived her life to the fullest. She was a giving person who loved to see others happy. Anytime she went to her appointments at the VA, she made it a point to stop at the PX to pick up sweet treats for Al, Briana, Trey, and Harper. She loved to go shopping and wanted to buy you something and would get mad if your size or color wasn't available. She loved to the color red and always had the current hair styles. Her favorite flower was red roses, and she loved butterflies. While stationed in Germany, she got a butterfly tattoo on her wrist. In June 2016, her health declined and she was given one week to live, but God saw different. With her daughter, serving as her primary caregiver for the last 8 years, she was nourished to a quality of life where she learned to walk with a prosthetic leg and gained enough independence manage her daily living activities. Patricia never let her health conditions hinder her from living. She maintained a positive attitude and would often say "I am not worried about it". She gave freely and loved to share whatever she had with a loving heart. All that came in contact with her felt her positive energy and love. Her life was full of loving deeds, forever thoughtful of special needs. She was the biggest cheerleader of her grandkids and made everything they did a top priority. She loved going to their school and sporting events. She lived her life stress free and was never worried about the unknown. She spent the last year and half caring for her youngest great-granddaughter, Harper. She would wake up every morning and text, "GM, I'm up, bring Harper down". She and Harper would play all day, watch her shows, and eat junk food until Harper became restless. Every evening, she would put special snacks in a pumpkin for Harper, to be there when she came down each morning. They were two peas in a pod, and they had a bond like no other. On July 16, 2023, she dedicated her life to the Lord, which was the same day as Harper's Baby Dedication. She always expressed how grateful she was that she was able to live with us. She would tell Al that he was her favorite son in law and looked forward to the sweets he would sneak to her. To celebrate her life, Patricia leaves: al loving and devoted daughter Angela (Kim); One son-in-law Al; three grandchildren Briana, Albert III (Trey)and Adena; four great-grandchildren, Harper, Christian (CJ), and Christopher (Crip); two sisters, Eleanor Streeter and Peggy Littlejohn; special nieces, Shela and Mikia; Nana and Pop; a host of other nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.