Johanna W Vaughan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Johanna W. Vaughan, who departed from this world peacefully on January 27, 2025, at the age of 93. A longtime resident of Camp Springs, Maryland Johanna was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, whose warmth and wisdom touched the lives of all who knew her.

Johanna was born on September 6, 1931, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to John and Lura Smith. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Duane (Skip) Vaughan, and children Richard (Jan) Gardner, Gail (Joseph) McCreary, Vickie Vaughan, and Christopher (Phillip) Vaughan as well as seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her stepson David (Peggy) Vaughan. She took immense pride in her children’s and grandchildren’s achievements and was a guiding light in their lives.

Johanna and Skip enjoyed many years of RV life traveling all over this country seeing new sites and visiting old friends. They also traveled extensively throughout Europe and Russia.

Johanna was an avid supporter of the arts. She enjoyed attending theater productions and served many years as a Docent at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. Her love of local theater led her to use her skills as a makeup artist at the Arlington Players in the early 1960’s and for many years with the Prince George’s County Opera Society. She loved working with children of all ages and devoted time to assist with makeup on productions at Roger B. Taney Junior High School in the early 1970’s and later at Bishop McNamara High School.

Johanna also enjoyed architecture and spent many years as a Docent and giving walking tours of the National Building Museum and the surrounding area in Washington, DC.

Johanna also spent many years in the role of Mrs. Beal at the National Colonial Farm in Accokeek, Maryland. In this interpretive role she conducted colonial era open hearth cooking demonstrations and particularly enjoyed the many school groups that came to tour the Farm. She eventually became the Volunteer Coordinator for the Farm, a position she found extremely rewarding.

In her teens and early twenties, Johanna took part in many Civil Rights marches in Jersey City and was extremely proud of the small part she had in supporting the Civil Rights movement.

She leaves behind a wealth of cherished memories and a lasting impact on all who had the

privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 3, 2024, at noon at the National Colonial Farm located at 3400 Bryan Point Rd. Accokeek, MD 20607.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Accokeek Foundation at the above address or through the Foundation’s website at www.accokeek.org/donate.