Willie Pearl Vaughn, age 95, passed away at Ridgewood Care Center on October 21, 2025.

She was born in St. Louis, MO to William and Annie (nee: Copening) Buckley.  She was raised by her maternal grandparents in Colp, IL after the deaths of her parents.  She attended Attucks Grade School and Herrin High School in Herrin, IL.  She then married Thomas Vaughn on August 8, 1947 in Marion, IL. They raised their children in Racine, WI.  Willie Pearl retired from Lincoln Lutheran Home after 35 years.  She was the SEIU Representative for the workers; then became a SEIU Regional Representative. She attended and participated in numerous classes, workshops, and conferences regarding workers' rights.  She worked in various employment positions in her work life.  She was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church and former treasurer of the Mack C. Davis Scholarship Club.  She loved her church family.

Willie Pearl is survived by her daughter, Deborah (John) Herrem; grandchildren, Michelle (Vince) Borleske, Scott (Elizabeth) Herrem, Christopher (Michelle) Herrem, Toni Peet, and Katie Converse; 15 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; several godchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Vaughn; sons, Michael and Kevin Vaughn; stepson, Andrew Vaughn; brother, Marvin Buckley; sister, Ruby Lee; parents, William and Annie; grandparents, Jacob and Nina (nee: Clark) Copening; and great-granddaughter, Katrina Jade Hanson-Herrem.

Service Details

A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held in Racine. A memorial luncheon will be held in 2026 for her family, friends, and other loved ones.