Ms. Betty Vaughndorf

Adams announces the passing of Ms. Betty R. Vaughndorf, 94, who transitioned on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at her residence.

Adams announces graveside services of Ms. Betty R. Vaughndorf which will be held 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Bonaventure Cemetery.

Betty Rachel Vaughndorf of Savannah, Georgia was born on August 18, 1924 and passed away on July 2, 2019.  Her late parents were Morris Vaughndorf of Russia and Lena Rosenthal of Brooklyn, NY.  Her sister was Suzanne Vaughndorf-Alexander and brother-in-law was Louis Rich Alexander, both of Savannah.  Her nephews are, Henry Rich Alexander, who lives in Nashville, TN, the late Dr. Lee Rich Alexander and Michael Rich Alexander, both of Austin.  Lee’s children are Benjamin Louis Fondren-Alexander and Lauren Rachel Fondren-Alexander, as well as their mother, Tawnya Fondren, all of Austin.

Betty attended Barnard Street elementary, Massie middle school, Chatham junior high and graduated from Savannah high school.  She earned a degree from Ryan’s Business College in 1944 then went on to study drawing from models in charcoal, pencil and watercolor at the University of Georgia (Savannah branch), Watercolor at Armstrong Junior College in Savannah, cast drawing in charcoal and still-life drawing in charcoal and pastel at Corcoran Art School in Washington, D.C. (1948) , oil painting and color theory at George Hamilton School in Washington, D.C., line drawing of models in pen and ink at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Washington, D.C., and received a two year diploma in Commercial Art from International Correspondence School in Scranton, PA. in 1950.

Betty first began working during World War II, joining the government and aiming to improve herself and gain experience.  She retired an Executive Secretary with the U.S. Department of the Interior, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in public service administration.  She was an Executive Secretary from 1957 until her retirement in 1963.  Prior to this role, she was a stenographer with the United States Information Agency from 1951 to 1956, the Smithsonian Institution from 1948 to 1950, and was with the United States Maritime commission from 1942 to 1947.

Betty retained lifelong passions for both her Jewish heritage and creating beautiful art.  She was a member of the Savannah Art Association and received an Outstanding Achievement in Amateur Photography Award from the International Society of Photographers in 2004 and 2005.  She was also listed in several editions of Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who of American Women.  Her fluid use of bright colors was a hallmark of her artistic creations.  She was especially fond of creating images of local Savannah landmarks and still-life on canvas.

Betty passed away six weeks shy of her 96th birthday, living independently and essentially in good health until the end.  Her gentle, sensitive nature and kind disposition will be missed.   Her family wishes to thank residents and management at Rose of Sharon apartments who were helpful to her in ways large and small.  A special thanks goes to Karen and “Hero”.  We also wish to thank Meals on Wheels and the angel volunteers who prepared and delivered her lunches over the past two years, Amari Adams of Adams Funeral Services for his easy manner and attention to detail, as well as Rabbi Robert Haas of Mickve Israel for delivery of her beautiful graveside service.  She is buried at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah.

If you’ve taken the time to read this obituary n please pay her memory and many acts of kindness forward in a way that’s meaningful to you.  Betty was especially fond of veteran causes and animals.

Share your condolences with the family using the links on our website: www.AdamsFuneralServicesInc.com