Linda Vaughn was born on Monday, December 18, 1950, in Neptune, New Jersey. She was the first-born child of A.C. and Rosetta Vaughn of Englishtown, New Jersey. Their family grew and later settled in Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey where Linda was raised with her younger brothers and sisters.
From childhood, she was an active member of Cliffwood Community Church of Christ in Cliffwood, NJ under the leadership of Bishop James H. Clark. With all the Vaughn children, she attended Sunday School and sang in the choir. Linda was educated in the Matawan-Aberdeen School District and attended many training programs as a young adult. Linda was always willing to learn as much as she could in order to gain more independence as an adult. If you knew Linda, you know that she was a very extraordinary person; but for every personal challenge she had to deal with in life, she had a double portion of joy. She was socially outgoing and made new friends everywhere she went. Linda’s smile, her laugh, and her tight hugs drew people in and her positivity was contagious.
As a young adult, Linda became a client of The ARC of Monmouth and worked at The Work Opportunity Center for many years, first in Red Bank, NJ and later in Long Branch, NJ. There she met many friends and became skilled in working with her hands. Linda loved to work and excelled at every new task she was given. Through a work training program, Linda learned to take public transportation to and from work and thoroughly enjoyed her new independence. She was quickly on a first-name basis with her daily bus drivers and train ticket agents. Linda later worked at Gibbs Hall Banquet Center at Fort Monmouth, NJ for many years. There she was beloved by her coworkers and rarely missed a day of work no matter the weather conditions. She took great pride in her work and friendships with coworkers, and every year her coworkers would celebrate her birthday at the company Christmas party. After retiring from Gibbs Hall, Linda went back to work at The Work Opportunity Center in Long Branch until 2016.
Linda lived a full life despite her limitations. She was a social butterfly and kept herself busy. She was an avid bowler and a member of the MerriMakers Bowling Team for many years. She was always ready to share her weekly bowling scores with family and friends. In addition to bowling, Linda attended many day trips and weekend excursions with the ARC. She went to movies and plays, visited friends, went to family events and attended church services all her life. After retirement, Linda could be seen taking her daily walk to McDonald’s for her morning coffee and walking around the neighborhood for exercise. She was well known and loved in the community.
Linda loved her family deeply and was ready to lend a hand whenever it was needed. She was available to rock a baby or fold a load of laundry at any time. She was the aunt who had candy for the children and all her nieces and nephews adored their Aunt Linda. Most importantly, Linda Vaughn loved the Lord. If she was heard talking and someone asked, “Who are you talking to?” She would reply, “I’m talking to God.” She talked to God every day. Her absence has left a hole in all our hearts and we will sorely miss her light, her smile, her laughter, and those tight hugs.
Linda Vaughn, 74, of Morganville, NJ departed this life peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Laurel Bay Health & Rehab Center in Keansburg, NJ.
Linda was predeceased by her parents, A.C. Vaughn and Rosetta Warren Vaughn, one brother, Anthony “Bubba” Vaughn, and one sister, Delores “DeeDee” Wilson.
Linda is survived by three sisters, Patricia Vaughn of Morganville, New Jersey, Deborah Vaughn of Fort Washington, Maryland, and Marci Vaughn-Rush (Norman) of Keyport, New Jersey and two brothers, Arthur Vaughn (Alethea) of Punta Gorda, Florida, and Ronald Vaughn (Crystal) of Lawrence Harbor, New Jersey, and cousin, Renee Herron (Godwin) of Leonardo, New Jersey along with a host of extended family and friends.
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14
