Arlene Ann DeVaughn

Arlene Ann DeVaughn July 10, 1942 – May 10, 2020 The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth, One is nearer God’s heart in a garden, Than anywhere else on earth. − From the poem “God’s Garden” by Dorothy Frances Gurney Arlene joined her husband, Charles, in God’s heavenly home on Mother’s Day 2020, shortly after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Arlene loved the simple things life had to offer, but most of all her family and friends. It would be difficult to find anyone in the world who would have anything but kind words to say about her, as she made friends everywhere she went all her life. Born in Providence Hospital in Washington, DC, to Wilbur Everett Birch and Frances Katherine (Smith), Arlene grew up in in Hyattsville and Cheverly, Maryland. The third of four children of Wilbur and Frances, Arlene loved her older brother, Richard Joseph Birch, who is with her in heaven, and remained forever close to her older sister, Jean Marie (Birch) Gordon, and her younger sister, Doris Ellen (Birch) Ashby. Arlene experienced more than her share of struggle in life, but maintained a joyful spirit and heart to help others. She survived a tragic car accident as a teenager, and another accident in later years, was treated for and beat throat cancer, lost her beloved husband, Charlie ‘Mutt’ DeVaughn unexpectedly, and endured two total knee replacements. Through it all, her will to live and constant faith prevailed. This last fight, with the Lord by her side for strength, was not lost – her healing came when she was in the arms of her Savior, and surrounded by her beloved family and friends who were waiting for her at heaven’s gate. Arlene had many friends, but one in particular, Peggy (Hugya) Marosy, who she met in her teens. She and Peggy became fast friends and the two met their future husbands together at a Mighty Mo drive-in in the 1950s. Peggy’s husband, James ‘Moe’ Marosy, was good friends with Charlie and they “helped out” the two damsels in distress with their car that night. The four of them remained life-long friends. Before Moe passed away not too long ago, he and Peggy supported Arlene in friendship and love after losing Charlie, and Arlene helped Peggy in return. God blessed the four of them with each other, and we are so grateful they had each other. While taking care of her husband and home were essential to Arlene’s life, she did have a career working for the State of Maryland in different agencies. Starting as a Switchboard Operator at what was then called Prince George’s General Hospital in Cheverly, MD; she also worked at the P.G. County Health Department, Parole and Probation Department, and retired from the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles after 30 years of service to the state. Along the way she met many longtime friends who will miss her greatly. Her brief marriage to Clarence Elwood Guthrie ended in divorce. Those who knew Arlene were keenly aware of her love for pigs, gardens, classic country music and the early Nashville scene, Yahtzee, Cracker Barrel, stock car racing (Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon), Chanel No. 5, music artists like Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell and Michael Bublé (who she saw in concert recently), and anything Talis drew, painted, performed in, wood-burned, or created. She was a doting grandmother and it gave her immense pleasure to have lunches with Talis at the Amish Market near her home, and to enjoy dinners at Killarney House with Talis, Debe, and Richard (she loved their Irish Bread Pudding). In later years, Arlene regularly attended church services at Bethel United Methodist Church and had a servant’s heart to help others, always participating in events and even joining a Bible study. She made good friends there and grew closer to Christ in her faith, which was a comfort to her. Arlene leaves behind a daughter, Debra Jean (Guthrie) Tighe, son-in-law Richard Tighe, and beloved grandchild, Talis Tighe; her sisters, Jean and Doris, and their husbands Wilfred ‘Bill’ Gordon and Charles Ashby III, respectively, and her brother’s widow, Dorothy (Suit) Birch. Nieces and nephews who brought joy to her heart and who will miss her include Julia (Gordon) and John Hand, Steve and Pam (Pearson) Gordon, Terry (Birch) and Buster Jones, Tammy (Birch) and Keith McGee, Tracey (Birch) and Bubba Morris, Jennifer Ashby, Bradley and Patricia (Lathroum) Ashby, Kelly (Weber) Ashby, and Kevin Hall. Arlene joins her dearly loved nephew, Brian Ashby (Kelly’s husband), in heaven. Great and extra-great nieces and nephews who will miss ‘Aunt Arlene’ very much are Michael Hewitt, Melanie Hewitt, Jake Jones, Caleb Jones, Allie McGee, Woody Morris, Ariel Rennie, and Matthew Ashby, Jillian Ashby, Bailey Hewitt, Jessa Romano, Noelle Hewitt, and Allen Steinbach. Gatherings of family at Arlene’s home will always be remembered. Finally, and in her own words, here is why Arlene was so dear to so many. Having joined Facebook in 2009, her first post was “I am sick of shingles, not the kind on the house.” Even in difficulty, she kept her good humor. Her last post was on December 31, 2019: “Happy New Year to all of my family and friends. Have a safe and healthy 2020.” And through it all, her profile message never changed: “Been married for 40 years to a wonderful man. Lost him on January 10, 2011. Sure do miss him.” Well, not anymore, Arlene. Rest in eternal peace with Charlie. What Happens Next: We plan to have a family/friends gathering at Arlene’s home once the COVID-19 restrictions allow for more than 10 people to congregate. At this time, we have no detailed plans, but will contact as many as possible when the time comes. Be sure the family has your name and contact information to be included. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Arlene’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, or to her church: Bethel United Methodist Church, 16101 Swanson Road, Upper Marlboro, MD. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Arlene Ann DeVaughn please visit our Sympathy Store.