Debra Joan Vaughn, 58, of Niles, Michigan, passed away after a long battle with illness on October 5th, 2021.

Deb was born on March 10th, 1963 to Eugene and Mattie (Jacobs) Slone in Sturgis, Michigan.

From the time Deb was born, she was a very kind, loving, and giving individual. The importance of family was instilled in her from a young age and was something she instilled in her own family over time. Deb was the kind of person that would give you the shirt off her back on a rainy day. She was an excellent host, a wonderful cook, and had a bed available for anybody that needed a place to stay. Anybody that knew her was aware of how good her cooking was. She loved to make green bean casserole, chicken and dumplings, homemade pie of any sort, and any other kind of food that would make a person feel at home. If you were lucky, she might have even share one of her beloved “Rocket Pop” popsicles with you after a homecooked meal. Aside from the smell of Deb’s delicious cooking, one would also find an impressive collection of ceramic angels and anchors throughout her house. Anchors had a special meaning to Deb and was something that she held on to when she was struggling with her health. In some ways, Deb was an anchor for her family. She would host the holiday get-togethers, and other family-related events, as well as providing a safe zone for anyone to stay in a time of need. One of Deb’s favorite ways to spend time was with her grandkids. All eleven grandkids held a very special place in her heart and she had a way of making each of them feel special. Deb also had a special relationship with each of her three kids. Even when she wasn’t feeling well, Deb would still do whatever she could to help them. If Deb had some time to herself, she enjoyed watching true crime, Ellen DeGeneres, or drinking wine and listening to music. Her taste in music ranged from Ozzy Osbourne to REO Speedwagon, to musical theatre such as Footloose. One of her favorite memories was going to see Ozzy Osbourne live with her daughter, Amie. Even when Deb wasn’t feeling well, she was still full of life. Her grandkids have memories of her cooking and dancing around the house to Footloose. Being “Maw-Maw” for her grandkids gave her the strength to push through many of the trials she was dealing with regarding her health.

She is preceded in death by her granddaughter, Tabitha Nunley, and her grandson Brendon Lee Jarman.

She is survived by her parents, Eugene and Mattie Slone of South Bend, Indiana; her four children, Stephanie Mitchell of Niles, Amie Nunley of Bristol, Indiana, Joseph Vaughn of Niles, and Tomi Horner of Indiana; eleven grandchildren; her three sisters, Mitzi Pickens of Decatur, Illinois, Maylee Slone of South Bend, and Genia Stephens of South Bend; her best friend and close companion, Shannon; and many other close friends and family members.

Funeral services for Deb will be held at the Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services on October 12th, 2021, with public visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. and services beginning at 11:00 a.m. After funeral services, interment will follow at Mission Hills Cemetery.

Memorial contributions made in Deb’s memory may be made to the Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Arrangements have been entrusted with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.

Deb played such a big role in her family, and was a source of comfort to anybody who knew her, she will be dearly missed.