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Gwen Atkinson Vaughan was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on March 28, 1931 to H.B. and Velma Pierce Atkinson. She died suddenly at her home on Saturday, October 26, 2013.
Gwen received a BS and MA degree from the University of Oklahoma. She began her professional career as a counselor and teacher at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Virginia, then social director of the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., and student activities director at the University of Oklahoma. Gwen also served as the first Dean of Women at Central Florida University in Orlando, Florida, and Dean of Students at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. In addition to her academic duties, Gwen was a consultant for the senior volunteer program in Seminole County Florida. She concluded her professional career as a psychology professor, counselor, and director of women’s programs at Rose State College in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
Gwen was in demand as a speaker on various areas of psychology including the proper care of children, senior citizens, and those who found themselves facing circumstances beyond their control. One of her most popular topics focused on how individuals gained strength through basic spiritual beliefs. While she dedicated herself to understanding the different views of everyone, Gwen believed there are times to show strong support for your own beliefs.
Gwen approached each day convinced that hope would prevail over despair. She loved American novelist Saul Bellow’s comment: “Reason itself, logic, urged you to kneel and give thanks for every small sign of human kindness.” To say that Gwen and her husband, Phil, lived the good life is a huge understatement. Their relationship was one of true love, kindness, and trust. They did not simply exist together, they thrived together.
Gwen was proceeded in death by her parents and survived by her son, Joe Cooley and her husband, Phil Vaughan; her daughter, Michelle Cooley Howard; and her two grandchildren, John Howard and Kendra Howard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your church or charity of choice.
A memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 31, 2013 in the Chapel of the Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook Street, Norman, Oklahoma.
Arrangements for Gwen and her family were placed in the care of the Vice family at the Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman. Online condolences may be shared at www.HavenbrookFuneralHome.com.
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