Johnnie DeVaughn was born to Abner and Mayo DeVaughn on November 2, 1931, in Bastrop, Texas. He received Christ at an early age. Johnnie was raised in a close and loving family with his parents and his ten siblings. He attended grade school in Bastrop, Texas. He began singing at an early age alongside his five brothers where their father named the group, The DeVaughn Brothers. Johnnie later moved to Houston, Texas with his brothers Albert and Joe. He later joined a group as lead singer called The Flying Clouds of Houston, Texas. In 1953, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Harrison at one of his gospel concerts. The two dated for six months before getting married. In this union they gave birth to three children to make up their family which lasted for 71 years. He also served as a deacon and sang in the male chorus at St. Emmanuel Baptist Church in Third Ward, Texas. Later he moved the family membership to St. Agnes Baptist Church in Houston, Texas under the leadership of Dr. Gene A. Moore. He served as deacon and served in the male chorus as well. In 1995, when Silverlake Church was birthed under the leadership of his son, Dr. Reginald W. DeVaughn, Sr., he was one of the original pioneer members.

Johnnie DeVaughn departed this life on February 27, 2025. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy DeVaughn (January 6, 2025), their son (still born) Johnnie Devaughn Jr., his parents; Abner and Mayo DeVaughn, his brothers; Teotha DeVaughn, Albert DeVaughn, Joe DeVaughn, Roosevelt DeVaughn, and Willie Ray DeVaughn. His sisters; Bertha DeVaughn, Artie Bea DeVaughn, and Rosetta DeVaughn Shaw.

Johnnie leaves to cherish his memory, his children: Lillie B. Jackson, Reginald DeVaughn, Sr. (Geneva), Audrey G. DeVaughn (his 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, Alaia.

Siblings; Sisters, Luster Nathaniel, and Lillie DeVaughn.

Host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and countless friends