Harriette Hayden Vaughn

Harriette Hayden Vaughn was born to the union of Benjamin Harrison and Auvelia (nee Hayden) Arnold on December 5, 1937. She was the seventh of eight children, born in Clayton, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving daughter Brenda, and six siblings: Rachel, Pearl, Benjamin, Lucy, Kenneth and Auvelia.

Harriette was educated in the Kirkwood Public School System. She was a graduate in the first graduating class after integration.

Harriette retired from the Federal Government after thirty plus years of service as a Retirement Pay Clerk at the National Personnel Record Center in St. Louis, Missouri)

Harriette coached Khory League softball for many years. She was an avid bowler and bowled in many leagues. She, her sisters, and bowling buddies, traveled the country from coast to coast to state and national tournaments. She was also an active member of the Kirkwood Historical Society's Black History Committee from its inception.

Harriette accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of eleven at Unity M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. Ross Blakely. She was active in many capacities at her church. She was a member of the Junior and Senior Choir, and Principal of the Vacation Bible School for many years. Harriette was also very active in Sunday School, BTU, and WMU at her church, Berean Missionary Baptist District, Missionary Baptist State Convention of Missouri, and the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. She and Auvelia, as part of their love for serving God, traveled extensively to many National and State Conventions, meetings, and retreats.

Harriette enjoyed her family and creating memories during holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. She especially enjoyed sharing her handmade crafts with her family such as her woven keychains. Besides crafting, Harriette loved watching T.V, particularly court shows, Extreme Makeover, and Leave It to Beaver. All of this and more will be remembered in our hearts and her spirit will remain within us.

Harriette departed this life to be with the Lord on October 26, 2025. She leaves many cherished memories to her children Denise Arnold (Paul) of Kirkwood, Missouri and Anthony (Cindy) Vaughn of Glen Carbon, Illinois; Grandchildren, Jamison Arnold, Ronda Arnold, Taylor (Michael) McCarthy, Makenzie (Tanner) Bodily and Brendan Gill; Great Grandchildren, Leah, James, Eliza and Austin; Sister Patricia Redmon; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves Leslie Gordon, Asim, Din, Tamir and Aria who held a special place in her heart.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all! them also that love His appearing.