Nov 25, 2016 3 min read

In answer to life’s final summons, Frances Ruby Vaughns (Branson), age 86, of Uniontown, Pa. passed away peacefully, Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at Cherry Tree Nursing Home, Uniontown, Pa.

A native of Point Marion, Pa., she was born June 8, 1930.

She was the daughter of the now late Hallie (Woods) Branson and Sidney Charles Branson, Sr. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by the following siblings: Alice Fields, George Richard Branson, Julia Washington, Helen Hunter, Sidney Charles “Buddy” Branson, Jr., and Mansfield “Pete” Branson.

Following graduation from Point Marion High School, she ultimately became a dental assistant and worked hand in hand with her husband Dr. F. L. Vaughns, DDS in his dental practice on Church Street in Uniontown, Pa. Later, they moved the practice to Coolspring St. where he practiced until he passed away in 1994.

Prior to her passing, Frances worked as a dental assistant for Delta Dental in multiple locations around the Pittsburgh Area until 2002.

Frances was involved with many civic activites over the years which included: playing an active role in Eastern Stars – OES PHA Naomi Chapter No. 7; life member of Brownsville/Uniontown Chapter of N.A.A.C.P., held multiple titles at John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church; helped establish East End United Community Center (E.E.U.C.C.),and the like.

Some of her more proud civic moments were partnering with her husband in the 1950s and getting local restaurants and theaters opened up to men and women of color and sought for equal servicing, seating, and rights for all patrons.

Additionally, Frances had a love of bowling, roller skating, dancing, baking, doing table/crossword puzzles, and simply helping people. She also loved being with her family and taking rides to areas where she grew up.

She is survived by one sister: Jean Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.; son, William Maurice Vaughns of Paris, France; daughter, Lisa Gayle Vaughns and fiancé James Coffee of Uniontown, Pa., son, Dana Gareth Vaughns and wife Joni Marie Curry-Vaughns of Los Angeles, Calif.; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Friends will be received at the JOHN WESLEY A.M.E CHURCH, 349 E. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. Sunday, November 27 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Services will be Monday, November 28 at 11 a.m.

Interment will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Fairchance, Pa.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the LANTZ Funeral Home Inc. 297 E. Main St. Uniontown.

All condolences and floral tributes may be sent through www.lantzfh.com.