Remembering Our Howard

Thomas Howard Vaughan was born on March 5, 1944. He was the third child of nine of the late Robert Cecil and Zebudah Johnson Vaughan. He peacefully entered into eternal rest at his residence in The Villages, Florida on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Howard was raised in Orange County, Virginia with his eight siblings. During his childhood, he attended Little Zion Baptist Church and was educated in the Orange County Public Schools. After attending Carver High School in Culpepper, Virginia, he relocated to Washington, DC, where he completed his education at Armstrong Vocational High School.

Howard lived and worked in the DC Metropolitan area. He retired from Solon Laundry Service as an Appliance Repair Technician. He also established his own business, "Contracts Unlimited." Howard was a true blessing to all of us and will be deeply missed.

Howard married the love of his life Harriet Patricia Baker in 1968. With that union, two sons were born; Howard Steven Vaughan and Leon Vaughan. Howard and Harriet also reared Janielle, James, and Emmanuel Greene, and served as foster parents for many years, welcoming children from all walks of life with open arms. His steady presence, guidance, and unconditional love made a lasting impact on everyone who passed through their home.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Cecil Bobby, and Harold Lee; five sisters, Sylvia Walker Blakey, Phoebe Beasley, Priscilla Jones, Patricia Burke, and Bernice White; three sisters-in-law, Joyce Baker-Thomas, Katherine Vaughan, and Barbara Vaughan-Moore; and four brothers-in-law, Sam Blakey, Clifford Milligan, William Pinkston, and George "Bunny" Jones.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy. His loving wife, Harriet; his sons Howard Steven (Yolanda) and Leon (Tasha); the children he raised as his own Janielle, James, and Emmanuel; his fourteen grandchildren Dyamond, Charles (Surina), Travon (Emily), Kayla, Zoey, Cody, Ashley, Alexis, Leon Jr, Alyssa, Brooke, Victor, Luna, and Serenity. Three great-grandchildren Derron, Aaliyah, and Amaya; one sister Zebudah "Doris" Fitzgerald; four sisters-in-law Francina Pinkston, Diane "DeDe" Nelson, Ruth "Toggie" Baker, and Margaret Baker; seven brothers-in-law Gerald White, Byrd Fitzgerald, Daniel Burke, Otto Beasley Jr, James Baker, Ronald Baker and Dennis Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Howard was a man of quiet strength and generosity. He enjoyed the thrill of car racing, lending a helping hand to anyone in need, and mentoring young men in the community.