Sandra L. Vaughn

   Sandra Lue Vaughn, 84, of Rome, passed away on January 24, 2024, at Rome Health with her

loving family by her side. She was born on July 17, 1939, in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, daughter of

the late Laconia and Laura Bell Taylor Williams. Sandra was the first Afro American woman to

graduate from Harrodsburg H.S. in a nonsegregated class. She continued her education later in

life by attending and graduating from the Utica School of Business.

On January 17, 1958, she married Sgt. Donald O. Vaughn, USAF, in Harrodsburg, Kentucky

then moved to Ohio to begin their lives together at the first of many military assignments.

TSgt Donald O. Vaughn, USAF Retired, predeceased Sandra on July 5th 1979. Sandra was a

dedicated wife and mother, standing strong for her children, while her husband Donald proudly

served two tours in Vietnam.

For over 20 years Sandra was employed by the Rome City School District. She was also

formerly employed at the N.C.O. Club and Officers Club at Griffiss Air Force Base. Upon her

move to Griffiss, in 1969, Sandra began attending the Grace Union A.M.E. Church of Rome,

N.Y. where she soon became the pianist and Musical Director. Sandra was a talented pianist

who could never walk past a keyboard without sitting down and playing a tune for those around

her. In her spare time Sandra enjoyed spending time with her family, going to church, collecting

dolls and antiques and sharing her days and life with Joseph Owens whom she met in the early

1980s. Joe and Sandra were inseparable and remained together until his death in Oct 2017.

Sandra is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Bernard Jowers of Rome; two

sons, Daniel Vaughn (Patricia Feole) and William “Speedy” Vaughn of Rome; a sister, Diane

Mayes of Kentucky; three grandchildren, Bernard O. Jowers I (Sarah Jowers), Jordan C. Feole

and David D. Jowers; two great grandchildren, Amara G. Jowers and Bernard O’Neal Jowers II,

Nephews; Craig & Gary Ford, cousins and a host of relatives. Sandra is also survived by long

time friends; Mary Jane Boyce, Dorothy Yearby, Sue Rathbun and Joanie Feole.                                                                                    

  A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 1 P.M. at The Grace Union A.M.E. Church of

Rome. Family and friends are invited to call from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the church prior to the

service.

   In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the family