Geneva Taylor Vaughn's Obituary
Our beloved mother, sister and friend, Geneva Taylor Chambliss Bersanti Vaughn (“G”), of Leesburg, FL, left this world to seek the company of her beloveds, Jesus and Leo, on Tuesday, September 5th, the year of our Lord 2023, and is now in their presence, and at peace.
Geneva was a devout Christian (a longtime member of the United First Assembly of God), a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a great-great grandmother, and an educator. She was born in a coal mining town in Kentucky, survived many trials and tribulations, and fought her way to a better life, through tenacity, perseverance and education. Though she had very little education as a child, once she “started school,” she never wanted to stop. After pursuing and obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education (and achieving recognition on the President’s Honor Roll), she ultimately ended up with a Master’s Degree, for which she was, understandably, quite proud. She loved being a teacher, and believed that learning, and educating young minds, was of paramount importance. We have heard from many of her students that she achieved her goal, and that without her teachings they might well not be where they are today. Aside from being an educator, her greatest joys in life were her family, friends and Leo Vaughn.
Geneva is survived by her daughters, Debbie Stivender, Cathy Puckett (Keith), Tina Chambliss (Steve); her sister, Liz Temple (Ralph); seven grandchildren, Rob Hall (Kelli), Chris May (Jen), Jenni Walton (Chris), Tim Stivender (Abby), Jamie West (Jordan), Dakota Townsend, and Cherokee Hope Townsend Burgess (Josh); nine great grandchildren, Shayne Buchanan (Dillon), Anna Hall, Victoria Walton, Maya Hall, Emily Walton, Adam Hall, Charlotte Stivender, Evan Stivender and Koa Burgess, and a great-great grandchild, Cliff Buchanan, as well as many nieces and nephews and step-family members. Geneva was pre-deceased by her parents, Charlie Taylor and Edith Taylor, her siblings, Jack Taylor (Geraldine), Mattie Brown (Bill), Charles Taylor (Mamie), and previous husbands, Willie Chambliss and Ray Bersanti…and the love of her life, Leo Vaughn.
While we are saddened by the loss, and will surely miss her every day, we rejoice in knowing that she is now, happily and peacefully, in the presence of the Lord and Leo (and maybe Elvis, too!).
What’s your fondest memory of Geneva?
What’s a lesson you learned from Geneva?
Share a story where Geneva's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Geneva you’ll never forget.
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