Dorothy Mae Harrison DeVaughn

Obituary

Dorothy Mae Harrison was born to Alonzo Harrison and Allean Sidney on November 7, 1930, in Ceder Lane, Texas.  She was affectionally called (Toosie).  She was raised by her mother alongside her grandparents.  She accepted Christ at an early age at Shiloh Baptist Church in Ceder Lane, Texas.  She attended grade school at Mable Kennedy Community School in Cedar Lane, Texas until she decided to move to Houston to live with her Uncle Nelson and (retired principal of Grimes Elementary) Aunt Alice Sidney.  She attended and graduated from Yates High School in 1949.  After graduating she attended Texas Southern University, majoring in education.  In 1953, she met the love of her life, Johnnie DeVaughn at a gospel concert where he was lead singer in a quartet called the Flying Clouds of Houston, Texas.  They dated for 6 months before getting married.  This union has lasted for 71 years, and 3 children were born to make up their family.

She worked at schools in HISD for approximately 7 years and later retired.  She opened a home daycare where she kept neighborhood children who are now successful and have their own families.

Her family lived in the Third Ward Area of Houston, TX on Bremont St. and attended St. Emmanuel Baptist Church not far from the family home.  She was very faithful in the church, serving as a deaconess and wherever she was needed. In 1975 the family moved their membership to St. Agnes Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Gene A. Moore, where she served as a deaconess and sang in the choir (tenor section).  She worked in the food pantry ministry preparing food boxes for the needy and visiting the sick with the mission ministry.  In 1995, when Silverlake Church was birthed under the leadership of her son, Dr. Reginald W. Devaughn, Sr., she was one of the original pioneer members where she became the mother of the church.

Dorothy Mae Harrison DeVaughn departed this life on January 6, 2025.  She was proceeded in death by her son (still born) Johnnie Devaughn Jr., her parents; uncle and aunt who raised her; brother Ray Bryant, Rafael Partain, Howard Harrison, Sam Farris, sisters, Frankie Ward, Willie Sidney, Johnnie Helms, Georgia Griggs.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory, children:  Lillie B. Jackson, Reginald DeVaughn, Sr. (Geneva), Audrey G. DeVaughn (her 24/7 caregiver); grandchildren: Paul L. Jackson, II (Ronda), Krystal DeVaughn Dixon (Rodney), Reginald DeVaughn II (Joanah), Jonathan DeVaughn (Candice); Great grandchildren:  Paul III, Aubrey, Joslyn, Cayden, Reginald III, and two-week-old Alaia.

Siblings:  Sisters, Perry Mayberry, Christeen Seal, Earnestine Bailey (Nathan), Joyce Robinson, Bertha Edison (Robert), Linda Griggs.

Brother, S. L. Bryant (Floradine).

Host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and countless friends