Gabrielle Knox Vaughan, known to her family and friends as Gay, passed away on February 12, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 82.
Gay was born on July 4, 1941, in Augusta, Georgia, to William Lawrence Manning and Margaret Evans “Pinkie” Knox.
Her husband, William Leonard “Billy” Vaughan M.D., predeceased her.
She is survived by her daughters Gabriella Vaughan Pittman and Laura Elizabeth Vaughan, as well as her grandchildren Frank Smith Pittman V, William “Knox” Pittman, and Sarah Gabrielle “Ellie” Pittman, and siblings Margaret “Peg” Knox Morrison, William L.M.
“Larry” Knox, Jr, and John Charles Knox MD.
Educated in the public schools of Thomson, Gay earned a degree from Randolph Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia, majoring in Religion.
She was an avid golfer throughout high school and college, playing on the boy's team in Thomson during high school, and in a Virginia School Women’s League. After graduation, she directed a Christian education program in Augusta, where she met her husband Billy.
The couple returned to Thomson, and Gay continued her roles as an amazing daughter, a devoted mother and wife, and a faithful friend to many. She was an active community volunteer and leader, including at Thomson First United Methodist Church.
Gay cherished her time spent worshiping and connecting with others in the church. She also was an early leader in several arts organizations, bringing Artrain to the area and directing several local arts festivals. In 1995, she began a real estate career that continued for 15 years, earning several honors and awards recognizing her professionalism and outstanding customer service.
Gay lived in Greensboro, Georgia on Lake Oconee from 2001 to 2018 where she was a devoted Board Member and avid fundraiser for Ferst Readers and the Madison-Morgan Cultural Society.
She also embraced her role as Grandmother to the fullest, including many days filled with boating, skiing, tubing, kayaking and fishing.
Gay’s vibrant personality, zest for life, and love of the outdoors were evident in everything she did. She was sweet and nurturing, with a curious mind and diligent yet fun-loving attitude.
Gay will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.
Her memory will forever be cherished, and her legacy will continue to inspire others.
The family received friends at Curtis Funeral Home in Thomson on Sunday, February 18th at 1:00 pm followed by a graveside service at Westview Cemetery at 2:00 pm with the Reverend Alan Smith officiating.
Pallbearers were Frank, Knox, and Ellie Pittman, and nephews Harris and Knox Morrison.
The family kindly requests that instead of flowers, contributions be made to the Ferst Foundation, https://ferstreaders.org/; Visiting Nurse Health System/ Hospice Atlanta, https://vnhs.org/, or Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/
You may sign a guest book at the funeral home or online at www.curtisfuneralhome.com Curtis Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.