Frances Bates Vaughan, 93 of Monroe, North Carolina died Thursday, June 11, 2026, at her home. Born and raised in Pickens, South Carolina and a daughter of the late Clive and Annie Belle Henderson Bates.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose greatest joy in life was the time she spent with those she loved. Family was at the center of everything she did. She cherished gathering everyone around the table for family dinners, creating memories filled with laughter, stories, and love.

An avid bridge player, she enjoyed both the challenge of the game and the friendships it brought into her life. Whether at the card table or in her home surrounded by family, she had a gift for making people feel welcome and loved.

Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Monroe, N.C. She loved her church and her church family and treasured the friendships and fellowship she found there. Although health challenges prevented her from attending church in recent years, her faith remained strong, and she was deeply grateful for the prayers and encouragement she received from her church family.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among her greatest blessings. She took immense pride in each of them and treasured every moment spent together. One of her greatest joys was looking forward to the arrival of a new great-grandchild due in September, a baby she eagerly anticipated meeting.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, kindness, and devotion to family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, and her example of unwavering love and faith will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. May her memory be a blessing to all who loved her.

Surviving is one son; Ray E. Vaughan, Jr. (Sheri) of Troutdale, VA; daughters Lisa V. Coley (Tim) of Marshville, NC; Dena V. Stackhouse (Jimmy) of Seven Lakes, NC; four grandsons Tyler Vaughan (Paige) of Flagstaff, AZ; Garrett Vaughan (Moriah) of Locust, NC; Julian Coley of Marshville, NC; Preston Stackhouse (Lora) of Hampstead, NC; three granddaughters, Madeline Schaaf (David) and Amelia Helms (Andrew) all of Marshville, NC; Carrie Barber (Lance) of Jackson Springs, NC; and seven great grandchildren and one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ray E. Vaughan Sr.; two brothers; Reuben and William Bates; three sisters Mildred I. Bates, Julia B. Hunnicutt, and Dorothy M. Bates.

A special thank you to Julie Tarlton, sweet friend and caregiver, her faithful friends Vicki and Larry Tuggle, her Deacon, Crystal Brantley and her Hospice Team, Mandy Horne and Shevon Melton.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00PM on Monday, June 15, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Monroe, 109 W Morrow Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 with entombment to follow in Lakeland Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00PM until 2:45PM in the Church Parlor.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to Atrium Hospice of Union County, 700 West Roosevelt Boulevard, Monroe, NC 28110 or First Baptist Church, Monroe, 109 W Morrow Ave, Monroe, NC 28112.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112, is honored to be entrusted to care for the Vaughan Family.