Mr. Vaughn C. Kimbrough Sr.

Vaughn was born on April 9,1947, in Washington, DC. He was the third of four sons born to Viola Kimbrough Grantham. His DC public school education began at Garrison Elementary School and continued through Banneker Junior High and Cardoza High Schools. He was honored with a basketball scholarship to Winston-Salem State College in 1966 where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education in 1970. He received a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of the District of Columbia. Vaughn's thirst for knowledge led him to additional graduate studies at the Harvard University Principal's Institute, Trinity College, American University and Howard University. Vaughn began his career in the DC public school system as a physical education teacher and later also taught science and social studies. He served as assistant principal at Takoma and Patricia Roberts Harris Middle Schools. He also served as principal of Malcom X Elementary School for his last assignment. He loved children and served in the school system for 36 years. Vaughn's special love was basketball. He was a star player for the Cardoza High School basketball team. He was known throughout DC public high schools for his basketball skills. His freshman year at Winston-Salem ended up being a historic one as the 1966-67 basketball team was the first HBCU team to win the NCAA Division II Championship. Their star player was Earl "The Pearl" Monroe. Vaughn and Judy Butts were married on August 25, 1978, at Galbraith AME Zion Church. From this union two children, Dana Vanessa and Vaughn Carlton II, were born. Vaughn loved his children dearly. He encouraged and supported them in all their endeavors. Over the years Vaughn attended and participated in many of the events at Galbraith Church with his family. He encouraged his children to attend Sunday School and church services. He helped with Sunday School cookouts and was the speaker for the Father’s Day Breakfast in 2023. In 1980 the Kimbrough family was asked to join several other families to create the Upward Trend for Families Club. The club was formed to educate their children about life through sports, cultural activities, trips, talks and love. “It takes a village to raise a child.” The club also educated the parents about how to be a parent. The children are grown today, some with children of their own. The club is still together and continues to participate in lively discussions on various topics, enjoys trips, cookouts and Christmas parties. Vaughn leaves many fond memories to be cherished by his wife Judy of 45 years; daughter Dana Dixon (James); son Vaughn Carlton II; grandchildren Jabaree, Jada and Jaden Dixon; special cousin Marvin Kimbrough Sr. (Mary); mother-in-law Marie Neville; brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Viola Kimbrough Grantham; brothers Ronald Kimbrough, Tyrone Bryant and Raymond Kimbrough; aunts Magdalene Cook, Juanita Kimbrough, Delores Trivers and Nettie Dorsey. Words of Wisdom: Find time to maintain your health and mind power, develop the ability to adjust to your environment and try to make it better. Strive for peace and happiness and the enjoyment of life. Give thanks daily for life itself and the ability that you have to know who and what you are. Remember that ignorance and misconceptions lead to superstition, and superstition eventually results in fears-which in turn restrains intellectual progress. Vaughn Kimbrough, Sr.

Tributes

Mr. Vaughn C. Kimbrough Sr.

April 9, 1947 - July 2, 2024