Terresa Elaine Vaughan

Terresa “Terri” Elaine Vaughan

October 24, 1958 – October 15, 2026

Terresa “Terri” Elaine Vaughan was born on October 24, 1958, in Springfield, Missouri, to James “Jim” and Priscilla “Pat” Essary. She passed away on October 15, 2026, at the age of 67, just nine days before her 68th birthday. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory, her laughter, and the love she gave so freely.

Terri married the love of her life, Wade Henry Vaughan, on June 2, 1979. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and countless memories. They enjoyed traveling together and hosting chicken-fried dinners at their home, where family gathered in the shop to eat, visit, and spend time together. Those gatherings became part of the memories their loved ones will cherish for years to come. Their greatest blessing was the family they built together, including three sons, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Though Wade preceded her in death, the love they shared and the family they created together remain a lasting part of their legacy.

Terri was a one-of-a-kind woman with a hilarious sense of humor, an ornery streak, and absolutely no trouble speaking her mind. She was unapologetically herself, and those who knew her best wouldn’t have wanted her any other way. Beneath her sharp wit and outspoken personality was a heart of gold. Terri loved fiercely, and when it came to her family, she was their biggest defender. She stood by the people she loved without hesitation and made sure they always knew where she stood.

In her younger years, Terri worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). With her naturally caring heart and deep compassion for others, it was a fitting path for her to take. Her heart for helping people reflected the person she was—someone who cared deeply and loved wholeheartedly. Her Christian faith was also an important part of her life and remained a meaningful part of who she was.

Some of Terri’s favorite moments were found in the simple pleasures of everyday life. She loved spending time with her cat, Snickers, visiting with her best friend, Pat, during long conversations on the front porch, and scrolling through Facebook memes to send to just about everyone she knew. Whether she was going out to eat, sharing a laugh, or simply enjoying time together, Terri knew how to make ordinary moments memorable. Above all else, her greatest joy was being with her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who meant the world to her.

Terri’s life was defined by the love she gave, the laughter she shared, and the unmistakable personality that made her who she was. She leaves behind countless memories, stories that will be told for generations, and a family who will continue to hear her voice in their favorite memories and smile at the thought of what she might have said. Her absence will be deeply felt, but the love she poured into her family will never be lost.

Terri was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wade Henry Vaughan; her grandson, Dakota Panzica; her parents, James “Jim” and Priscilla “Pat” Essary; and her sisters, Rhonda Thurman and Kathy Braden, along with Rhonda’s husband, Randy Thurman.

She is survived by her three sons: Amon Vaughan and his wife, Wendy, of Rockaway Beach; Jimmy Vaughan of Taneyville; and JD Vaughan and his wife, Twila, of Ozark; and her daughter-in-love, Stacy Vaughan of Power Site. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Mark Braden, husband of her late sister Kathy.

Her beloved grandchildren include McKael Lewis and her husband, Wade; Scyla Maslar “Vaughan”; Tori Allen and her husband, Joseph; Aaron Panzica; Floyd Vaughan and his wife, Rain; Ruby Vaughan; Tyler Vaughan; and Kloey Vaughan. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Reegan Lewis, Kennidi Lewis, and LéRoy Maslar “Vaughan,” who brought her another generation of love and joy.

Terri’s family was her greatest treasure, and her love for them will remain woven into the lives she touched. Though she is reunited in eternity with loved ones who went before her, those left behind will carry her memory forward—in their laughter, in their family gatherings, in the stories they tell, and in the love, they share with one another.

A graveside service honoring Terri’s life will be held at Helphrey Cemetery on Sunday, October 25, at 2:00 p.m.

She will be missed more than words can express and remembered with more love than words could ever hold.

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