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FRANKLIN – Evelyne Gillette Vaughan, 96, passed away on June 24, 2024. She was born in Southampton County on Nov. 16, 1927 to Ryland W. and Lucy Saunders Gillette and was the widow of C. Linwood Vaughan after 49 years of marriage. She was a retired certified dental assistant and office manager. She was a charter member of Franklin Presbyterian Church, where she served faithfully in many aspects of its ministry. Evelyne dearly loved her church and church family and in 2002, received an Honorary Life

Membership in Presbyterian Women USA for her exemplary service. She served on the First Advisory Board, starting Christian Women’s Club in Franklin in 1982 and was actively involved until it disbanded in 2008. She was a member of Franklin Women’s Club, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Southampton Historical Society and former member and volunteer for 30 years of Southampton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was also interested and active in most community services, hoping to make a difference.

Evelyne always had a thirst for learning, and therefore was an avid reader. She researched her paternal heritage back to the first Gillettes to enter America in 1630, and was especially proud to become a registered family member of the Gillette State Park and castle in East Haddam, CT. Evelyne once remarked she had loved music since she heard the first note, and danced since she could move her feet. She was always into fashion and enjoyed amateur modeling for many years.

Evelyne’s love for her family and many friends was exceeded only by their gift of love in return. In her last years with limited mobility to socialize, she read countless books, thanks to Librarian, Denise, and friends. It brought her much joy and knowledge.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and sisters Mary G. Whitley, Anne G. Cross, brother Joseph E. Gillette, beloved daughter Cynthia V. Jarvis, son-in-law J. Martin Jarvis, and a very special, caring friend, Sam Butler Jr.

Survivors include beloved son, Glenn T. Vaughan; sister, Ryland G. Newsome; three grandsons, James M. Jarvis, Jr. (Ashley), Jason T. Jarvis (April) and Kevin V. Jarvis; one great-grandson Evan Taylor Jarvis; five great-granddaughters, Evelyne, Danielle, Sadie, Kollyn and Jolie; a devoted sister-in-law, Clara T. Gillette, nieces and nephews, also a most loving and caring “daughter-in-heart,” Vivian Christie and dear friend Antionette Joyner.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.

Memorial donations may be made to Franklin Presbyterian Church, 405 Lee Street, Franklin, VA or Franklin Cooperative Ministry, P.O. Box 1214, Franklin, VA.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org