HELEN JEAN KIKER VAUGHN was lifted up by the angels and joined her beloved late husband, Tommie, early Sunday morning, the 21st of January 2007. Helen, always a "lady", lived her life with grace and dignity. She will always be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Helen, a native Houstonian, was born the 9th of June 1920. She attended Lanier Junior High, San Jacinto High School and Rice University in Houston. She finished her latter years of college at the University of Texas, then returned to Houston to work at Humble Oil Co. In June of 1943 she married Tommie Vaughn and quickly became an "Aggie". Helen supported her husband in all his many endeavors, especially the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. She served as "first lady" when Tommie was President and Chairman of the Board from 1972 - 1978. Helen was also a founding member of the Rabbit Committee and a longtime member of the Ladies Season Box Committee. Helen, fondly known as "Granny", was a beautiful and elegant lady. She had a keen wit and a wonderful sense of humor. "Granny" was so loved by her family and friends and will be missed by many. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and E.A. Kiker and by her cherished husband of 62 years, Tommie Vaughn. She is survived by her daughters, Kay Holloway and husband Bob, and Jeanie Janke and husband Jim; grandchildren, Alicia Avila and husband Carlos, Andrea Chapman and husband Bert of Atlanta, GA, and Kyle Janke and Kirby Janke. The family is deeply grateful to all who lovingly cared for her during this last year, especially Marsha Sparks, Litchie Brown, Tonya Mosley, Lovie Scott, Gracie Escobedo, and Dr. Garrett Lynch. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six until eight o'clock this evening, Tuesday, the 23rd of January, in the Library of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. The family will gather for a private interment ceremony on Wednesday morning, the 24th of January, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston. The memorial service will be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 24th of January, in The Old Church of St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, with the Rev. John R. Bentley, Jr. and the Rev. Dr. John K. Graham officiating. In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions in memory of Mrs. Vaughn may be directed to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Houston Affiliate, 2425 Fountain View Dr., Suite 210, Houston, 77057; or to the SPCA of Houston, 900 Portway Dr., Houston, TX, 77024.
(As recorded in the Houston Chronicle)