Mary Beatrice Ivory Vaughn transitioned from earth to heaven on the morning of May 11, 2026, while at Sanctuary Pointe Nursing and Rehab Facility. Mary Bea, most notably known, was the oldest of six children born to the late Roselee Ivory (Mother) and William "Bill" Ivory on March 12, 1934, in Cincinnati, OH. After the death of her father, she was raised by her stepfather, Samual Williams, and always under the watchful care of her grandmother and namesake, Beatrice, and Rev. Rosedale Winfield.

Mary Bea attended and graduated from the old Woodward High School and Cincinnati Technical College, receiving a degree in Secretarial Science. Mary Bea was an entrepreneur selling Mary Kay, Tupperware, and Amway Products. She also served as a secretary, but her greatest joy was that of taking care of others, especially her family.

Mary Bea gave her life to Christ at an early age under the leadership of the late Pastor John H. Sharpe of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. She also served under the leadership of Charles A. Threatts and the current Pastor Larry J. Holley. Mary Bea was a songbird and was known for her soprano voice and organizing choirs such as the Progressive Junior and Heavenly Choir. She was the last of the original Progressive Pastors Chorus and the longest original living member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church.

Mary Bea also served on the Progressive Nurses Guile, Youth Organizer, Pastor's Aide, and Community Event Planner with modeling. One of her joys was organizing and singing with children. Nannie, lovingly called by many children and even adults, organized the Vaughnetts, a small group of children, including her daughter, who would travel the community with her singing Songs of Zion under her leadership.

Mary Bea had a strong friendship with three women and their families – Ruth Jones, Marie Williams, and Lurine Mayo. Each of these ladies organizes family functions and vacations. “The Family Connection” was where Mary Bea would continue using the voice that God gave her, while leading the program for each function.

Mary Bea was a gentle woman, classy, polite, and loving to all those who were given the opportunity to meet her; they quickly fell in love with her spirit and her smile.

Mary Bea was united in holy matrimony for over 60 years to Willie Vaughn of Cochran, GA, and he remained the love of her life until his passing. Unto this union were three children, Richard, Frank, who preceded her in death, and Monique (Renee) Vaughn.

Mary Beatrice Ivory Vaughn was preceded in death by her father, Bill Ivory; mother, Roselee Ivory; stepfather, Samuel Williams; husband, Willie Vaughn; son, Frank Jackson; brothers, William Caroll Ivory and Leroy Ivory; nephew, Roy Ivory; and niece, Valerie Simpson. She leaves to cherish her son, Richard Vaughn, Sr. (Ian Vaughn); Monique (Renee) Vaughn; three grandchildren, Richard Vaughn Jr., Myesha Richardson (Garrett Richardson), and Morgan Vaughn; three sisters, Rosetta Ivory, Dolores Simpson (Richard Simpson), and Diana Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and greats, as she was the reigning matriarch of four generations.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Progressive Baptist Church, 613 Prospect Place, Cincinnati (45229). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 12:00 pm. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

She will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery, 11200 Princeton Pike, Springdale, Ohio 45246.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Vaughn family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Vaughn family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.