Obituary of Catherine Stewart Vaughn

Catherine Stewart Vaughn (1928–2016) Catherine Stewart Vaughn, of Montreat, NC died peacefully following an extended illness on July 22, 2016 at Parker Ridge Assisted Living in Blue Hill, Maine. A native of Iredell County, NC, she was born March 6, 1928 to David Little and Berta Mae Travis Stewart. She loved learning, achieved scholarly accomplishments and pursued opportunities uncommon for a woman of her generation. Following high school graduation as valedictorian, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina (today UNC-G), and later served as president of the alumni/ae council and as an alumna trustee. After teaching high school English for three years, she received a two-year Fulbright Fellowship at the American University of Cairo. She met her lifelong love, Silas Max Vaughn, on the first night on the ship to Egypt. They married a year later in Cairo, and they remained devoted partners until his passing almost 62 years later. Upon returning to the U.S., Catherine supported Si in his career of college administration. Following appointments at Southwestern, St. Andrews, and UNC-C, they moved to Montreat in 1972 when Si became president of “The College” (as they called it the rest of their lives). They always considered themselves a team, and Si insisted that they both be painted in his presidential portrait—and that he stand behind Cathy. She was the paradigmatic hostess and the speechwriter of many of Si’s lectures, speeches, and sermons. In 1991, she received the College’s Distinguished Service Award. She was a loyal and compassionate friend and was active in many civic groups and clubs. Cathy loved to travel and experience different cultures. She explored every continent except Antarctica and started her own travel company so that she could lead tours with her many friends. After Si’s retirement, the two of them volunteered for lengthy periods in the Ukraine, Kenya, Korea, and Costa Rica. They especially loved Costa Rica and spent more than 20 winters there. Most importantly, Catherine was a Christian and looked forward to the resurrection to come and being reunited with her beloved Si. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church (USA): an ordained elder, a long-time member of the Presbytery of WNC Committee on Ministry, and an elected commissioner to the 1997 General Assembly. Catherine received honorary life memberships in the Women of the Church (1976) and Presbyterian Women (1988). She held many leadership positions in these organizations including chair / president at each level—local, presbytery, synod, general assembly and ecumenical. She participated in the Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering for more than 60 years and authored a book on its history. Cathy loved her family more than anything else in this world. She was a passionate advocate for “her boys,” and she treasured opportunities to visit and to care for grandchildren. When Si and Cathy’s health declined in 2014, she agreed to move to Maine to be near her youngest grandchildren. They had the joy and privilege of spending almost two and half years with her and being able to care for her as dementia slowly compromised her mind and body. Up until the end, she greeted her family with smiles, kisses, and hugs. The family extends special appreciation to the staff of Parker Ridge for their loving and attentive care over the past year. Catherine is survived by one sister: Carrie Stewart Beard of Mooresville, NC and her husband Robert; two sons: R. Stewart Vaughn of Tamassee, SC and his wife Joyce; Andrew G. Vaughn of Deer Isle, ME and his wife Amy; five grandchildren: Christopher of Austin, TX; Matthew of Greenville, SC and his wife Shelly; Isaac, Orly, and Avital Catherine of Deer Isle, ME; and two great grandchildren, Annibelle and Noah. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and nine siblings: Irene Jarman, Walter Lee Stewart, Letha Morrison, Wilma Morrison, J. V. Stewart, Hilda Button, Grady Stewart, Martha Hass, and James Stewart. May her memory be a blessing. The family plans a memorial service at Parker Ridge in Blue Hill, ME on Friday, July 29 at 1:30pm. They will hold another memorial service in Montreat, NC in September. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Andy and Amy Vaughn, 8 Sally Cove Lane, Little Deer Isle, ME 04650 and/or Stewart and Joyce Vaughn, 233 Jumping Branch Rd., Tamassee, SC 29686. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering, Montreat Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 577, Montreat, NC 28757; to the Vaughn Scholarship Fund at Montreat College, PO Box 1267, Montreat, NC 28757; or to the charity of one’s choice.