Barbara Anne Vaughn, 76, of Canton passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Brooks-Howell Home in Asheville, North Carolina.

Barbara was born on October 1, 1949, in High Point, North Carolina, to the late Joseph and Dollie (Patterson) Vaughn. She graduated from High Point Central High School in 1967 before continuing her education at Western Carolina University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1971 and her Masters of Education degree in 1972.

Barbara devoted 33 years of her life to teaching Physical Education in the Haywood County School System. Ms. Vaughn was the recipient of numerous awards for teaching, coaching, and refereeing including the Golden Whistle Award, the Dick Knox Distinguished Service Award, the NCVOB Service Award in appreciation to her dedication to the spirit of volleyball, and being inducted into the Western Carolina University Hall of Fame. More than a career, teaching gave Barbara the opportunity to touch the lives of generations of young people. Perhaps one of the most meaningful reflections of the impact she made came later in her own life, when some of the former students she had once cared for and encouraged found themselves caring for her. A beautiful reminder that we all take care of each other at some point in life.

Barbara was a faithful member of Clyde Central United Methodist Church where she held many leadership positions. She was a devoted member of her church choir. A lifelong sports enthusiast, she especially enjoyed pickeball and volleyball. Those who knew Barbara will remember her wonderful sense of humor, her warm personality, and the laughter she so easily shared with others.

One of five siblings, Barbara leaves behind one surviving sibling, Betty Jo (Rick) Mills; devoted friend Kay Campbell, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Aside from her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles (Frances) and Jerry (Phyllis) Vaughn; and sister, Brenda Vaughn Moore.

After a lifetime spent teaching, encouraging, and bringing joy to others, Barbara leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the many lives she touched.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 3:00 PM, at Clyde Central United Methodist Church, Clyde, North Carolina. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place at Crawford-Ray Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Clyde Central United Methodist Church, 410 Charles Street, Clyde, North Carolina, 28721 or to the Pat Summit Foundation for Alzheimer's Research, P. O. Box 31002, Knoxville, Tennessee 37930.

The care of Ms. Vaughn has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.