Marilyn Irene Vaughn (Johnson) was born October 23, 1959 to Mary Ellen Johnson (Lewis) and Jesse Johnson in Denver, CO.
She was the youngest of 6 children. The oldest to youngest respectively being: Jesse Johnson Jr., Shelley Wynn Hodge (Johnson),
Stacie Lynn Ashley (Johnson), Damon Lamont Johnson, and Mark Lewis Johnson. She later moved to New Jersey and married Matthew Vaughn,
a man who she affectionately called "My King."
Marilyn attended Smith Elementary, Place Junior High, and George Washington and Manual High Schools here in Denver. She also attended Union County College in Cranford, New Jersey where she wrote and performed plays and sang solo in a band. She was a loyal long-time employee of Continental and United Airlines.
An excellent cook, Marilyn was famous for her Sunday brunches with R&B music playing. She loved and owned 2 horses. She prided herself when it came to holiday dinners and special events. Marilyn was a strong advocate for family and family values; she worked hard to keep family together, and was very protective when it came to her kids. She had a big heart and took great lengths to help anyone in need. She had a great personality, a radiant and powerful smile that profoundly touched everyone who knew her. Marilyn was a beautiful woman, both inside and out.
Marilyn was an extraordinary athlete. As a young girl she was headed for the Olympics. She excelled in both basketball and track. She was a champion in the 100 yard dash and the most fun for her was anchor to the relays. At age 12 she was the only one to come back to Colorado with a 1st place trophy which was listed in the Rocky Mountain News and the Denver Post. In her later years while living in New Jersey she continued to participate 5 K and Cross country events.
Most of all, Marilyn led a rich and rewarding life as a devoted, loving and affectionate woman, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend who always went the extra mile to help, encourage and uplift others. Among those deeply mourning Marilyn's death is her beloved family: her husband, Matthew Vaughn; her children Tasha Vaughn, Irena (Preston) Turner, Matthew Vaughn Jr., Omar (Juana) Vaughn, and Octavia (Kevin) Lucas; her mother Mary Johnson; her siblings Shelley (Byron) Hodge, Stacie (Michael) Ashley, and Damon Johnson; her 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Marilyn's large extended family, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and circle of close friends also feel the sad loss of their loved one.
Marilyn has joined in Heaven: her father, Jesse Johnson Sr.; her brothers, Jesse Johnson Jr. (J.J.), and Mark Johnson.
Although she is gone from this world, she will certainly never be forgotten. Anyone who knew her will tell you they will forever
remember her. She will be missed most for the love she shared.