Mary Lucy Criss-Vaughn was born on October 20, 1937, in Culpepper, VA to Thornton A. Criss and Elizabeth Tibbs-Criss.

Mary gave her life to Christ at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Cumberland VA in the early 1950s.

Mary grew up in Cumberland, VA and attended Cumberland County Public Schools (Cumberland Training), before moving to Newark, NJ in 1952 where she then attended McKinley Junior High School until 1954. She further went on to earn her high school diploma from Central High School in 1957.

On February 1, 1964, Mary L. Criss married the love of her life, Claude Vaughn, Jr., and together, they embarked on a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Their union was blessed with two children, Angela N. Criss and Stevie Claude Vaughn, who were the light of her life.

Mary had a successful career at Tiffany & Company, where she made significant contributions and earned the respect of her colleagues. Her dedication, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to her craft earning her two certificates in Non-Jewelry and Jewelry Overview.

Beyond her professional life, Mary was a dedicated member of New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ before moving to Henderson, NC and joining Hardie Grove Baptist Church in Oxford, NC. She spent countless hours studying her Bible and reading her Daily Bread.

Mary's favorite hobbies were watching HGTV, Hallmark, and Lifetime channels. She had a zest for life and was known for loving her children and grandson.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Claude Vaughn, Jr., and son Stevie Claude Vaughn. Mary traded in her cross for her crown on November 5, 2023, at Henderson Nursing and Senior Living Center in Henderson, NC.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Angela N. Criss and grandson, Asa J. Vaughn-Burnett (Mailk) who will always cherish the memories they shared with her.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her "besties", and a wide circle of friends and loved ones.

Mary L. Criss-Vaughn will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her legacy of love, kindness, and grace will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Twenty-Third Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Amen

My Mother Kept a Garden

My mother kept a garden a garden of the heart,

She planted all the good things that gave my life its start,

She turned me to the sunshine and encouraged me to dream,

Fostering and nurturing the seeds of self-esteem.

And when the winds and rain came, she protected me enough.

But not too much because she knew I’d need to stand up strong and tough

Her constant good example Always taught me right from wrong,

Markers for my pathway that will last a lifetime long,

I am my mother’s garden, I am her legacy,

And I hope today she feels the love Reflected back from me.

(author unknown)

Acknowledgements

We wish to express our sincere appreciation and

gratitude for all acts of kindness, prayers, and support

during our time of bereavement.

The Family