Obituary of Rovenia Vaughan

Distinguished, strong, and full of faith are words used to describe Rovenia J. Vaughan. Rovenia was a Community Leader and advocate. She devoted her life to the causes she believed in – civil rights, helping those in need, and serving the Lord. She was born on September 15, 1947 and grew up in Powhatan County. In 1966, she graduated from Pocahontas High School and later, Smithdeal Massey Business College. She was employed by United Virginia Bank (currently SunTrust) for many years and then transitioned to the Powhatan – Goochland Community Action Agency. She was most recently employed by the Powhatan Social Services Department as the Community Services Coordinator. She found fulfillment in being able to serve those in need in the County and treated her clients with dignity, understanding and respect. Rovenia was a renowned leader on the local, state, and national level. She was the first female President of the Virginia State Conference NAACP and served in that role from 1999 - 2003. She held other positions in the State Conference including Vice President, Treasurer (2011 – 2015), State Education Committee Chair, and National Board Member – Region VII. Rovenia also served as the Powhatan County Branch President for many years. Rovenia participated in countless charitable, civic, and faith-based organizations. She was involved in the Baptist General Convention and the James River Baptist Association. She served as Treasurer of the Powhatan County Library Board and was on the Virginia Cooperative Extension Powhatan Office Board. Rovenia also served on the board of Reframe Housing of Richmond. In 2014, Rovenia was recognized for Outstanding Community Service at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration in Powhatan. She was a devoted member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Powhatan. Rovenia had a stately presence and her fondness for hats, butterflies, and the regality of the color purple were well-known. She was rarely seen in church without a hat; the more elaborate, the better. Rovenia also had a strong sense of pride in and love for her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Pearline Johnson; and her great-nephew, Rashad Brown. She leaves to honor her legacy her brother, Junious Johnson; her devoted niece, Tanya LaVenia Johnson Ross (Kevin); nieces, Cheryl Fields and Danita Brown; nephew, Mel Brown; great-nieces, Kennedy and Karrington Ross; great-nephew, Rahmel Brown; sister-in-law, Shirley Johnson; devoted friends, Drucilla Bridgeforth and Eva Anthony; and many relatives, friends, and colleagues.