Annie Ruth (Vaughn) Taylor

"You can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes. Too many women think that they are unimportant, but the real proof of an elegant woman is what is on her feet."

The fashion influencer of North Carolina, New York, Maryland and beyond Mrs. Annie Vaughn Taylor,  traded in her earthly Christian Louboutin Red Bottoms for her Heavenly Golden Slippers. Annie slipped peacefully into rest in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her devoted son whom was also her caretaker. We take comfort in knowing that Annie is now wearing her Angelic Ensemble that was already fitted, sized and waiting for her. 

Annie was born to the late Stephen & Beatrice (Simpson) Vaughn, Sr. on January 7, 1946, in the mega-metropolis of Herford, NC. The sixth of thirteen children, Annie was a happy child who enjoyed playing with her siblings and cousins. Early on, she shared a passion for fashion with her mother who sewed the family’s clothing. Annie was educated in the Perquimans County public school system. During her own years of education, Annie drove a school bus. Her teen years would also find her beautiful, popular, and smart. She was the salutatorian of the Class of 1964; and would go on to further her education at the North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.

Annie’s young adult years led her to the bright lights of the Big Apple. In the hustle and bustle of New York City, Annie went to work at the Jewish Hospital. A confident and bold young woman, Annie met George “GT” Taylor, Jr. at the Policeman’s Club in 1969 and swept him off his feet. True to GT’s prediction at their first meeting, Annie said yes to becoming his wife and on Thanksgiving Day in 1970, Annie and George were joined together in wedded bliss. They married and went on to add to their family their beloved and adored son, Joel Vaughn Taylor, and a son-of-their hearts, Rodney G. Hill. Annie and George would grow and love each for the next 45 years.

"Fashions fade, style is eternal."

During their 30 years in New York, Annie returned to her great passion and began selling clothes from the basement of her home. She would soon bring her passion back to her place of origin in the Albemarle region of North Carolina. A savvy and shrewd businesswoman, Annie continued selling fashion clothing and accessories, eventually branching out to five locations in the cities of Hertford, Edenton, and Elizabeth City. She would dedicate the next 40 years to dressing and enhancing the hundreds of people who walked through the doors of JoVon Fashions and She Boutique. Annie consistently said, “I don’t look at them as just customers; they also become good friends.” Annie believed that if you empower a woman, she’ll change the world. Inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs, she would remind them that “Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression. Embrace your unique style and let it boost your self-esteem and confidence.” Annie knew that while fashion was the garments to personal style and creativity, confidence is your best accessory. Annie was honored by the local Chamber of Commerce and other entities for her achievements in business.

Throughout her entire life, Annie held an unwavering faith in God. She was a generous and cheerful giver in her family, community, and her church. Annie would celebrate and cheerlead giving to God. One of her favorite times in service was the moment when tithing, offerings, and the giving of alms for those in need occurred. She believed in giving God her very best, and she took advantage of every opportunity to do so. Annie loved her family, friends, community, and church. She desired that everyone in these cherished groups would know, accept, love, and serve the Lord Jesus so that one day we will all have the biggest and best family reunion of rejoicing together in Heaven.

To know the Fashion Icon and Legend herself, Annie Taylor,  was to know that she always had an eye for shoes amongst the rest of a good outfit. On Saturday, the eleventh day of November, the Vaughn-Taylor Families are asking for everyone to join them in a Celebration of Life Service where the the "F-Trilogy" of her life will be celebrated, Faith-Family-Fashion. The motorcade will begin at eight-thirty in the morning from her dwelling and will proceed past all of her previous store locations, for the final grand closing of a Fashion Phenomenon.  The motorcade will then proceed to the official Celebration of Life at the South Mills Church of Christ on Culpepper Road in South Mills, NC that will start promptly at eleven o'clock in the morning. Following the service, a final Dress/Fashion showcase along with, music and entertainment will take place at her home.  Annie will be laid to rest on the terra firma of the Vaughn Family Chatte, at a later date. 

Annie now joins her loving parents Stephen & Beatrice Vaughn; her best friend and treasured love George Taylor, Jr. who all preceded her into Glory. Also waiting to greet her in Heaven are her four brothers- Louis Vaughn, Sr., Willie Vaughn, Albert Vaughn, Sr.(Emma) and Stephen Vaughn, Jr. (Hattie) along with two sisters- Vivan Wade (John, Sr.) and Carradine Vaughn; and a handsome great grandson, Tayvian Jerome Johnson.

Annie leaves to honor and celebrate memories of her: son, Joel Vaughn Taylor; Rodney Hill along with four beautiful granddaughters- Destiny, Ashia, Aubryn, and little Jewel. Two brothers: Gilbert Vaughn (Corletta) and Michael Vaughn, Sr. (Melissa). Four sisters: Mary V. Stepney (Isaiah Moore), Ella M. Vaughn, Gail V. Hill (Myron) and Venetia V. George. Two sisters-in-law: Florazelle H. Vaughn and Ann S. Vaughn; with a myriad of nephews and nieces and an innumerable host of relatives, friends, and a business community and church family.

Joel found it only fitting to allow his mothers friends  at the Dennis J. Stallings Memorial Funeral Home, to carry out his final wishes of care and love for his beautiful mother. DJSMFH professional staff will assist Joel and the Vaughn-Taylor Families during their time of bereavement and beyond through unprecedented, heartfelt and personalized detailed services. Please continue to uplift Annie's immediate and extended families through words of comfort, prayer, hugs, or a smile.

To our own Seller of Purple Cloth, you will be dearly MISSED!

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