Beverly Ballard Vaughn

Beverly Ballard Vaughn, 74, of Tallahassee, Florida, died peacefully on March 27,2025 after a 4-year battle with cancer. She refused to be discouraged by her diagnosis and lived a full and joyful life. She travelled extensively both in the U.S.A and around the world, ministering to family, friends, and others who were in need.

Born June 2, 1950, in Tallahassee, Bev graduated from Leon High School in 1968, and Florida State University in 1972 with a degree in Home Economics. She played on the FSU women’s tennis club having learned the game from her mother, Sybil Ballard.

After college, Bev joined the Peace Corps and began her lifetime of service to others in Liberia, West Africa. It was there that she met her soul mate and future husband, Jim. It was during this time Bev & Jim became followers of Jesus, committing their lives to the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Together they shared a full and adventurous life of service to God, volunteering, and travel. They served as missionaries to the Wolof people of Senegal, West Africa for 28 years, moving to Paris to continue their work among West African immigrants for an additional five years.

Bev and Jim retired from the International Mission Board (SBC) in 2015 and returned to Tallahassee to help care for her parents. They are active members of Thomasville Road Baptist Church.

In retirement, Bev loved to spend time with her grandchildren, travel for volunteer missions, cruise with Jim, family and friends, take walks, play “Foot”, and simply be a loving encouragement and faithful witness.

Bev is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jim Vaughn; son, Ryan (Catherine) Vaughn; daughter, Jocelyn Vaughn (Eric Cardon); brother, Bob (Cathy) Ballard, and her grandchildren Lydia, Anna Catherine, Landon, Julia, and one on the way. She was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Sybil Ballard, and her sister Barbara Ballard.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering of the International Mission Board or Big Bend Hospice, Tallahassee, Fl. Bev was a faithful woman of God, who prayed unceasingly, and touched lives all over the world for Christ. She is loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.