Sylvia P. Vaughan

Published 3:56 pm Friday, June 6, 2025

TRION, GA – Ms. Sylvia Anne Porter Vaughan, age 78, of Trion, GA, formerly of Aulander, NC, passed from this earth and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 after a lengthy illness.

Ms. Vaughan was born November 15, 1946 in Portsmouth, VA to the late Elvin H. Sr. and Doris T. Porter Woodruff. She was a 1965 graduate of Churchland High School. Sylvia resided in the Roanoke-Chowan area for over 50 years until recently moving to Trion, GA.

She was employed at the News-Herald for many years. She later worked and retired from the Bertie Correctional Institute.

Sylvia was the former Organist and Choir Director of Aulander Baptist Church for 50 years before moving and becoming the Pianist at Midway Baptist Church until her passing. She was a devout Christian, loved Jesus, her church and everything involving her work and fellowship there.

Her greatest joys on this earth were her family and friends. She was frequently seen in the antics with the younger members of her family – teaching them to cook marshmallows on a camp fire, encouraging them in school and music, and always telling jokes with a hearty laugh until she cried. She loved having her hair styled on a weekly basis – a habit she learned from her mother and was a regular fixture at her favorite salon, Tommy and Company. She drank a pot of coffee a day, then switched to tea, always ate the last eggroll, and loved the Home Shopping Network. She was a beloved member of the Ahoskie – Aulander communities, to which her lifelong friends became extended family. She was known for her musical talents, her compassion, her humor, her friendship and unending love. Sylvia had the biggest heart and love for others.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Elvin “Buddy” Porter, Jr. and Fred Porter; and grandson Chase Keener.

Survivors include her sons, Joseph Reid (Leishia) Jett, and John (Cheri) Jett; sister, Sara Lee Wright; sister-in-love, Abby Porter; five grandchildren: Justin, Caleb, Jeffrey, Martina, and Sam; 10 great-grandchildren; nephew, Danny Porter; nieces, Rebecca Lee and Catherine Porter; a host of great nieces and nephews; and an extended family of great friends. Sylvia will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial donations be made and noted In Memory of Sylvia Vaughan to The Gallery Theater, PO Box 521, Ahoskie, NC 27910.

A celebration of life will be set at a later date.