Ellen Diggs Vaughan

Ellen Diggs Vaughan, 97, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 26, 2022, during which time, she was a patient at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, Chesapeake, Virginia. She had been a long-term resident at the Greenbrier Regional Medical Center also located in Chesapeake. Ellen was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to the late William J. and Olivia K. Diggs. She was the wife of the late Eugene Vaughan.

She was educated in the Portsmouth Public Schools System and graduated from I. C. Norcom High School—Class of 1943. Through the years, her employment consisted of being a governess to the Belcove and the Bright families; United States Post Office worker in Washington, DC and various other occupations.

Ellen gave her life to the Lord at an early age. As a child, she attended Zion Baptist Church along with her family. Later the family moved their membership to Third Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and volunteered on several auxiliaries. She remained a member until her passing. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She loved to sing! Her favorites were hymns and praise songs from long ago. Her memory was fading, but her recall of the lyrics to those old songs was phenomenal. She loved giving praise and singing praises to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The staff and residents at Greenbrier Regional always commented favorably that her singing would joyfully fill the halls.

Ellen was a devoted wife, homemaker and dutiful daughter. She and her husband oversaw the personal care and business of her mother. Though she had no biological children, her siblings where blessed to have her step in to care for their children when needed. She will be dearly missed.

Ellen was also preceded, in death, by her brothers/spouse: Edward L., Sr. (Helen), James R., Vernon E. and George Pernell Diggs; Sisters/spouses: Dorothy D. Williams, Olivia M. (William) Robinson, Vessie D. Taylor, Albert Stancil and Joseph T. Boone (brothers-in-law).

She leaves to lovingly cherish her memory her sisters: Ann E. Stancil and Ruth Aristene Boone; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.