Jo Ann Vaughn

Jo Ann Witt Vaughn, 85, went home to be with the Lord on November 16, 2017 after a brief illness.   The family would like to thank the Linda White Hospice Center in Evansville, IN for their guidance, comfort and care during this difficult time.

Jo Ann was born in Evansville on April 7, 1932 to the late Carl and Thelma (Dixon) Witt. Jo Ann’s parents owned the Penny Can Grocery Store, an Evansville staple for many years, in downtown Evansville.  Jo Ann was born and raised at the store and learned the values of running a business that would serve her later in life.  As a youth, Jo Ann was very involved in church, singing in the choir and playing piano.

Jo Ann, a 1950 graduate of Bosse High School, met and married the love of her life,  Arthur Vaughn,  in September of 1953. Arthur proceded Jo Ann in death after 57 loving years of marriage in 2010.  The Vaughn’s had 2 daughters Suzi born in 1955 (deceased 1998) and Sheri in 1957.  A talented writer, Jo Ann enjoyed entering advertising and jingle contests in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, winning many prizes.

Some years after her birth, Sheri was diagnosed with a mental handicap.  Jo Ann was very involved in the early formation of the local EARC (Evansville Association of Retarded Citizens) and sat on the first board of directors.  For 20 years, Jo Ann served in many volunteer capacities for the organization and fought for educational rights and equal job pay for children and adults with disabilities.

Jo Ann’s selfless dedication was also shown in the formation of  Y.E.S. (Youth Emergency Services) in the early 1970’s. The Vaughn’s purchased a home on Old Boonville Highway in Evansville, and the home was open to teenagers and young adults with substance abuse issues.  At the time, there were no other options available in the tri-state area for teens and young adults with addiction issues. Y.E.S. served many and the nickname Momma Vaughn stuck.  Until the time of  her death, she would  receive occasional calls from those who lived in the Y.E.S.house.

A 51 year member of Bethel Temple in Evansville, Jo Ann was dedicated to the church and supported mission work and numerous Christian causes. Jo Ann led many to follow Christ and continued to do so even in later years of her life.

In 1984, Jo Ann purchased Lar-Go Employment Service and began Quality Resume Service in Evansville..  In 1985, she opened Action Temporary Service.  Action became a leading staffing agency in Southern Indiana with the eventual opening of 4 Indiana locations.  Action Temporary Service (now Action Staffing, Inc.) was on the Inc. Magazine list of the top 500 fastest growing companies for 3 years during Vaughn’s tenure.  Jo Ann retired and sold her portion of the business in 2012 but remained honorary CEO on the Board of Directors until the time of  her death. Jo Ann was  a Kentucky Colonel for over 30 years.

Jo Ann was also proceeded in death by a brother, Carl Richard Witt (Tabby), a sister Doris (Tommy) Witt Burns, a nephew Rick Witt and great nephew JT Marshall.

She is survived by her sister Jean Witt Spicer of Evansville; nephew Mike (Deb) Rouser of Versailles, Kentucky; nieces  Blaze (David) Gomez of Athens, GA,  Linda (Lon) Akers of Pine Village, Indiana,  Barbara (Tim) Miller of Tomball, Texas, Brenda Southworth of Tomball, Texas,  and Beverly (Mike) Konzem of Pearland, TX. Great-nieces Christine Rouser, Kate (Aaron) Carter, Briana (Jeff) Rimkus, Faith Marshall, Scarlett (Brandon Snell) Southworth,  Cody (Marc) Salsberry, Ashley (Brian) Miller. Great-nephews Jason (Melissa) Rouser, Joshua Gomez, Gabriel (Jennifer) Marshall, Matthew (Laura) Marshall, Russell Reinhart, Shane (Jenna) Southworth, Lon (Samantha) Healey and Tom (Lena Healey). She is also survived by several great-great nieces and nephews, close family friends Don and Ellen Haury of Evansville and her employee/business partners of 32 years Kim Devine of Newburgh, IN and her children Taryn (Steven) Reynolds, Morgan Devine, Logan Devine and Ashlyn Devine, as well as many dear staff members and employees of Action Staffing, church family at Bethel Temple and many friends and staff at the Carousel Restaurant.  As special thanks to her dedicated caregivers, Patricia Renfrow, Michele Greer and Samantha Lefler.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 2pm-6pm at Boone Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue in Evansville.

A funeral service will be held Monday, November 20, 2017 at 11:30am at the funeral home with Rev. David Schwambach officiating.   Friends may call from 10am to time of service on Monday. Burial will be at Park Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Evansville ARC or Triple T Ministries of Evansville.

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