Services
| Mrs. Thames will be laid to rest Saturday, May 23, 2015 at Pearl Street AME Church, Jackson, MS. Her services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Committal will be at Garden Memorial Cemetery, Jackson, MS. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.,(family 6:00 to 7:30) on Friday, May 15, 2015. |  |
Obituary
Kathryn Thames was a spirited church leader, a gifted educator and an active community leader known for her keen sense of humor and elegant fashion sense. But to those who knew her best, she was the rock of her family and the most loyal of friends.
Kathryn Linda Vaughn Thames was born on June 3, 1923, in Yazoo County, Mississippi to Sam and Mary Vaughn. She was the third of nine children.
Mrs. Thames attended elementary and high school in Yazoo County and completed her high school education in Grenada, Mississippi, where the Vaughn family relocated. After graduation, she enrolled in Jackson State College and earned a degree in elementary education. Mrs. Thames earned the Masters of Science degree in education from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1956.
Mrs. Thames was a founding member of the Delta Nu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. She was also a founding member of the Lefleur's Bluff Chapter of the Links, Inc.
Pearl Street African Methodist Church, however, received the Lion's share of Mrs. Thames volunteer services. At Pearl Street, Mrs.Thames was a trustee, a class leader, and a member of the Women's of Allen Sanctuary Choir. For her leadership in church organizations, Mrs. Thanes was chosen as the winner of the Trailblazer Award.
The life of Kathryn Vaughn Thames
In 1956, she married James Thames. They had one son, Michael James Thames. Mrs Thames was predeceased by her husband; her parents, Sam and Mary Vaughn; three sisters - Verlene V. Blumingburg, Lizzie V. Vassar and Viola V. Johnson; and three brothers - Louis O. Vaughn, Oliver L Vaughn and Sammie L. Vaughn.
Mrs. Thames is survived by her son, Michael Thames (Antoinette) and granddaughters, Alanis Gabrielle and Maya Ashley Thames; all of Orlando, Florida; two sisters, Merrill V. Applewhite of Coppell, Texas and Joyce V. McClinton (John) of Memphis, Tennessee; as well as many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory.