Bonnie Gean Morrison Vaughn
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(February 29, 1940–March 21, 2025)
Bonnie Gean Morrison Vaughn passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2025 after a brief stay in hospice.
Bonnie was born mid-day on Leap Day 1940 in Mobile, Alabama to the late Charles C. Morrison, Sr. and Nancy Odom Morrison.
Bonnie was predeceased by her parents, her sisters, Patricia Holberg and Carolyn Boone, and brother Charles C. Morrison, Jr.
Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Leonard Vaughn, their children Robin Ray and Brian Vaughn, and grandchildren, Marissa Vaughn and Erik Vaughn.
Bonnie excelled in all activities whether in family life as daughter, sister, wife, mother, community volunteer, or work life including her chosen profession as registered nurse.
In everything, she was kind, caring, diligent and persevering.
Bonnie started her path leading to a nursing career at age 15. A part-time job as a nurse’s aide sparked a long-term interest in medicine. After graduating from C. F. Vigor High School in Prichard, Alabama, a scholarship led to her attending Boston University for three years majoring in biology. Completing her college education was delayed for 15 years while she focused on providing a great family life for her young children and husband. The family believes she succeeded remarkably in this effort. On resuming her educational pursuit, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from SUNY Brockport and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Rochester. She worked in a number of successful positions at hospitals and county health departments in Rochester, New York, and also in Huntsville, Alabama.
Bonnie was creative in several areas—sewing, art, and writing. Reading was a prominent hobby.
She particularly loved to paint and draw. Exhibiting at the Clothesline Art Show for several years, she was always busy with kids getting their own thumbprint drawings.
She was active in service groups in church and community. For several years in the 1970s she was active in fund raising auctions for public radio station WXXI.
Bonnie’s last decade was challenged by health issues. A persistent loss of short term memory due to an unknown cause was especially difficult and greatly hampered one of her great interests—reading.
A diagnosis of end stage renal disease in 2021 made home dialysis therapy necessary for the final three and a half years of her life. In recent months, her health steadily declined and led to a brief end of life hospice stay.
The family is grateful to Unity Hospital, its staff and affiliates, particularly the Peritoneal Dialysis Unit, for their kindness and care for Bonnie over the past several years and months.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the National Kidney Foundation or a charity of your choice are suggested.
Rochester arrangements are being handled by Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral and Cremation Chapels. Final arrangements and burial are being handled by Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes, Meridian, Mississippi.
Visitation and interment will be on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Visitation will be at Webb & Stephens Funeral Home, 2514 7th St, Meridian, MS at 10:00 a.m. Graveside service and burial will occur at 11:30 a.m.at Magnolia Cemetery, 2638 23rd Ave, Meridian.