Patricia M. Vaughan

On December 9, 2024, Patricia M. Vaughan, age 68, was called to her heavenly home. She was born on June 2, 1956, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Shirley and Thomas Otey (III). Patricia, affectionately called “Pat,” was the oldest of four children. After graduating from high school, she received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Development from Tidewater Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Strayer University.  During her career, she taught preschool at New Galilee Early Childhood Development Center, Tidewater Park Elementary in Norfolk, and was a teacher assistant at Grassfield Elementary School in Chesapeake.

Pat was a native of Chesapeake, it is here where she met and later married her old friend, Elijah Vaughan, in 2002. Pat loved children, especially her granddaughter, Joy.  Every time Pat talked about Joy, her eyes sparked, Joy was the “apple of her eye.”  Pat referred to her as “Baby Girl.”  Baby Girl loved her grandma too.  Joy helped Pat with pushing the walker, handling the mail, paying bills, and scribbling on paper.  Whenever Joy noticed that Pat had a bandage on, she had to have one too.  

Pat’s love for children did not start with “Baby Girl. She had a passion for teaching and an unwavering commitment to the growth and well-being of others prompted her to pursue a master’s degree in education.  For over a decade, she inspired countless young minds with her dedication, patience, and love of learning. Her students not only excelled under her guidance but also learned the values of kindness, empathy, and respect which Pat embodied in every aspect of her life.

Pat’s life exemplified, Ephesians 4:32, “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Her actions were a living testament to the verse, consistently showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in her interactions with others.

When she was not educating, she enjoyed sewing, spending time in the company of family and close friends, and traveling. She enjoyed sailing the sea on cruises, traveling to Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, New York, Texas, and Georgia.

As a loving and cherished member of her family, Pat was the heart and soul of her home. She gave selflessly to her loved ones, always offering support, encouragement, and warmth. Her family meant the world to her, and her home was a place of laughter, love, and comfort. Whether through a simple phone call, a caring gesture, or the joy she found in shared moments, Pat made everyone feel seen, valued and loved. 

Pat found joy in the small things in life. She had a positive spirit, sense of humor, and her appetite for life was infectious, and she will be remembered for her generosity, optimism, and the deep care she extended to all.

Patricia leaves to adore and treasure her memories; her husband, Elijah Vaughan, son Philip Vaughan, her siblings Karen Otey Parker (Dwight), Thomas H Otey IV “Tony” (Monica), and Kevin D. Otey (Laura); her Aunt Helen Aunt Debra, and Aunt Cleo; and her bonus children, grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.

Patricia’s legacy of love, learning, and kindness will live on through the many lives she touched.