Pastor Laura Bell Vaughn, age 79, of 111 Ridgewood St., Shelby, NC, passed away Monday, November 14, 2022, in her residence.

She was born in Cherokee County, SC and was a daughter of the late Edgar and Lois Oglesby Petty.

Laura joined Suck Creek Baptist Church at an early age. She attended Friendship Junior College in Rock Hill, SC and was a graduate of Morris College in Sumter, SC

Pastor Laura Vaughn was the Pastor and Founder of Dawning of a New Day Outreach Ministry. She was retired as a Counselor for Family and Children’s Association. While living in New York, she was employed as a counselor with Family and Children’s Association, a teacher and counselor with Head Start, in Freeport, NY, and as a Customer Service Representative with General Instrument Corporation, Hicksville, NY. She received numerous awards for outstanding service to families and the youth in New York.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by, siblings, nieces, and in-laws, including: Deacon WT Petty, Margaret Petty, Carolyn Raper, Ocie Houey, Parlena Johnson, Betty Petty and Terrance Petty.

Laura leaves to cherish loving memories: a sister, Minister Laura Ann Petty, of Shelby, NC; three brothers, LB Petty (Debbie), Jamie Petty, and Larmie Petty, all of Shelby, NC; a niece and great nephew of the home, Daphne and Steven Petty; a beloved cat, Coco; a spiritual daughter, Minister Cheryl Jackson; a special sister-in-law, Josephine Petty; other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 19th, 1:00 p.m., in Suck Creek Baptist Church with the Reverend Tony Makupson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. She will be in state in the church at 12 noon.