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AHOSKIE – Beatrice Joy Salter Vaughan, affectionately known as Bea of Ahoskie, North Carolina passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024, at the age of 86 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina surrounded by her family. Born to Leon and Esther Salter on February 23, 1938, of Sea Level, North Carolina, she was a beacon of warmth, empathy, and compassion that she carried with her always freely expressing those qualities to family, friends, and strangers alike.

Bea’s journey began in Sea Level where she grew up with two adoring parents and her older sister, Lura Salter Hill, that did not hold back their affections in words or actions which laid the foundation for the caring and nurturing lady she became. After graduating from high school in 1956 she went on to attend Chowan College studying business administration. She went on from there to hold a wide range of titles throughout her successful career including bank teller, bookkeeper, administrative assistant, restaurant owner and manager, director of the small business center of a community college, director of volunteers and human resources having been recruited for each one only having to ever formally interview for one, that of Hospital Administrator at Sea Level Hospital operated by Duke Medical. She enjoyed and excelled at decorating, seeming to effortlessly turn any of her houses over the years into amazingly beautiful homes. Out of all these titles, she most cherished that of Mother to her two sons, Quinn and Vince Vaughan. Later yet another cherished title was added when she became a Grandmother to her son and daughter in law, Ellen Vaughan’s, two daughters Grace Vaughan Liverman and Abigail Vaughan. Always freely expressing her love to them both in words and actions, setting the same example for them to follow that she learned from her childhood.

Bea’s love extended outside of her family to many cherished friends. These many friends know how much she loved them, again never holding back her love in words or actions.

Bea led a life filled with simple pleasures and selfless acts of kindness. Each morning, she began her day with a daily devotional, finding solace in reflection and spirituality. She enjoyed basking in the sun and putting her feet in the salt water every chance she got. She marveled at the beauty of nature as she watched the birds flock to her feeders. Determined in the winter to make sure that no birds and subsequently no squirrels went hungry. She enjoyed spending time on outings with her close group of girlfriends sharing laughter and companionship.

A devoted member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Bea found joy and comfort in her church family, fostering deep connections within her community.

Predeceased by her parents, her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her two sons; daughter-in-law; two granddaughters; sister; her granddaughter Grace’s husband, Wyatt Liverman; Al Vaughan, the father of her children; and all her extended family as well as all who knew her and were made better for her presence in their lives.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Ahoskie, North Carolina with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. There will also be a celebration of life memorial service in her beloved hometown of Sea Level, North Carolina on Saturday April 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Nelson Bay Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, PO Box 263, Ahoskie, North Carolina 27910.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com