August 10, 1928 – May 3, 2023
Dr. Carol Virginia Brown Cline Vaughn, 94, passed away into eternal glory on May 3, 2023. Carol was born August 10, 1928 to Allen and Zora Davis Brown in Friendswood, TX. She was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Conrad W. Cline, her second husband of 18 years, Dr. Delbert Vaughn, a stepson, Terry Vaughn, one great grandson, Bruce W. Cline III, her parents Allen and Zora Brown, her three sisters Phyllis Patterson, Versa Pearson Connelly, Margaret Lane, three brothers Allen Brown, Stewart Brown, Glen Brown, and many sister in laws and brother in laws.
Carol graduated valedictorian from Friendswood High School in 1945. Carol married Conrad W. Cline on June 13, 1949. They made their home in Friendswood and raised three sons- Byron, Conrad, and Bruce, and one daughter, Karen, in the Friends Church and Friendswood schools. Conrad and Carol often hosted friends in their home, went camping, and Carol often played for Conrad’s quartets. Carol was an organist in the church for many years and was also adult Sunday School teacher, into her 80’s. Her husband, Conrad, was president of the Friendswood School Board, and remained active in the community until he died in 1978.
On October 4, 1980, she married Delbert Vaughn who was pastor of the Northshore Friends Church. They pastored this church until God opened doors for them to establish the Houston Graduate School of Theology in the summer of 1983. For a time, they also served as interim pastors at Rose Drive Friends Church in Yorba Linda, California. They both worked at the Graduate School until Delbert passed away. Carol continued teaching in the Graduate School, after moving back to Friendswood, and then retired in 2004. In 2000, she made her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Bob and Karen Kirkpatrick, and taught piano lessons until she was 91.
The last surviving granddaughter of the founders of Friendswood, Frank and Mary Jane Brown, Carol was a feisty, dedicated defender of her faith. A strong woman who showed hospitality to many, especially missionaries (including hosting Corrie ten Boom in her home), she loved to cook and was an avid gardener. As a mother raising four children, she went back to school, and eventually got her bachelor’s, master’s degree in Organ Performance, and PhD degree in Education. She was never happier than when playing the piano, reading the Bible, or talking with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids about the Lord.
Carol is survived by four children: Dr. Byron (Jackie) Cline, Dr. Conrad (Phyllis) Cline, Karen (Bob) Kirkpatrick, Dr. Bruce (Sharon) Cline; her 14 grandchildren: Shea Cline (Jason) Stucky, Ty Cline, Candice Cline, Maggie Cline, Corrie Cline (Steven) Buchanan, Bobby (Shanna) Kirkpatrick, Kenton (Lindsay) Kirkpatrick, Allen (Grace) Kirkpatrick, Kim Garrett, Shaylynn (Chip) Sandridge Hoiseth, Kristen Cline, Bruce (Angela) Cline Jr., Jerrett (Juliana) Sandridge, Jenna Cline (Nathan) Sheets; 2 stepchildren, Dana and Diane Vaughn, 30 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family is deeply grateful to those who cared for Carol in her illness these past four years, while she was confined to a wheelchair. They lovingly cared and provided companionship to her, so she had the best quality of life possible. A heartfelt thank you to Hazel Jefferson, who cared for her at home, the staff at Evening Star PCH, especially Darla, Jessica, Amy (Margaret) and Brittni, Choice Hospice, especially Bella, and to her many friends who came to visit her.
Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Monday, May 8, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546 (281) 992-7200.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 9:00 A.M. at Friendswood Friends Church, 502 S. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546 with Rev. Bobby Kirkpatrick officiating. Interment will follow at Friends Cemetery in Friendswood, TX.
Pallbearers will include Ty Cline, Joshua Jones, Kenton Kirkpatrick, Allen Kirkpatrick, Bruce Cline, Jr., and Jerrett Sandridge.
In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations in her memory be made to Friendswood Friends Church or Houston Graduate School of Theology at www.hgst.edu.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
15 thoughts on “Dr. Carol Virginia Brown Cline Vaughn”
What a grand lady of Friendswood. We can't truly express the care and nourishing of our community this family has been a part of for oh so many years. Thank you, doesn't seem a sufficient enough term. May all God's strength and comfort be with all of you who hold this lovely lady so close to your hearts.
In His name we pray,
Aunt Carol lived a full and wonderful life. I count myself lucky and blessed to start learning piano from her. She had great loving care and influence on me. Prayers to all of us as we honor her homegoing to the heaven she longed to see❣️
A Lovely lady. Auntie Carol. Was at summer July 27, 1968 camp when I accepted the Lord. In God’s time I will say a heartfelt hi.
Praying for God’s comfort for all of you. Praying that all the special memories will bring peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Aunt Carol, how she loved the Lord and her family! Such a dedicated Christian and a loving wife, mother, aunt and friend! We will truly miss her! Love you, Aunt Carol!
Charles & Janice
What a wonderful human Ms. Vaughn was. Heaven has gained a brighter brilliant light and beautiful music.
Sending our condolences to her family.
Such a beautiful soul. We first met Carol when we were looking for a piano teacher for our son; he flourished under her mentorship and guidance because she took him in as if he were her own. When she had her heart attack, his first question was, "Can we go see her?" even eight years after he stopped taking lessons. When she got back home, he went to play for her and I have the sweetest recording of her telling him how gifted he is and coaching him to always use his gifts to glorify God. Amen and amen. Rest well, good and faithful servant; thank you for your Godly example. We grieve with hope knowing we WILL see you again. Barbara Gruener and family
We were fortunate to have had Mrs. Vaughn in our lives. She taught our son Noah piano for nearly a decade. Her love and dedication to him as a student was unconditional and inspirational. Many fond memories of discussions with her as we dropped him off and picked him up from his lessons. We will always cherish the recitals she coordinated and organized at Friends Church.
I have many memories of Carol. As a child she was like a mom to many of us on camping trips to Wimberly or around town. She is a part of my spiritual life as a mentor both as a child at the Friends Church and as a professor at HGST. She was a tough teacher both in piano lessons as a child and as a professor. But most of all I enjoyed seeing her at church where she would always hug me and say "there is my Glenda". I can still see her at the organ and Margie Brown on piano playing in the old chapel at the church. She will be missed but will live on the lives of all those she loved and those she led to Christ.
Enjoyed being a next door neighbor to this lovely lady for many years. A true friend and always willing to talk or help in any way. Heaven welcomed another angel…
My Mom, Sheila McGinnis Phillips, and Carol go back to childhood. I loved visiting Friendswood myself as a child and most always
enjoyed seeing relatives, including Carol. We would take the train from Clovis, NM and relatives would meet us in Houston. Carol was always kind and welcoming to us, her NM cousins. So glad we got to see her last summer at the Brown Reunion. Will miss those visits.
Jane Henry & family
Shelly Flake
Pam Hartzog
So many good memories of Aunt Carol over the years. Such a great lady. We'll never forget her!
I do not think I have ever felt Jesus's Love more than while just sitting and talking with Grandma Carol. I look forward to seeing Her and talking again in Heaven! To Be Absent from the Body is to be with The Lord Jesus! This is the Day the Lord has made! Let us Rejoice and be Glad in it! AMEN!
Ms. Carol was an amazing lady whose feisty spirit often brought a smile to my face. Her steadfast faith and love for Jesus was always visible. Her commitment to Christian education and love of family indisputable.
She is home…rest in peace Ms. Carol.
She was one of my favorite people my entire life. Just to make eye contact brightened my day, but a hug from her made me smile to my toes.
A stellar light.