Lavaughn Bartholomew

Born on June 29, 1944—just 23 days after D-Day—in Meadville, PA, LaVaughn was the daughter of Edward and Agnes Boyle. Raised in the countryside on a 43-acre farm, she nurtured a deep love for animals, especially horses, and was active in her local 4-H club. After high school, she trained and worked as a telephone operator.

Her life changed in 1962 when she met a young theology student, Craig Bartholomew, in the library at Allegheny College. They married on November 27, 1964, in Meadville, beginning a 60-year journey together. She supported Craig as he attended seminary in Philadelphia while continuing her operator work. His first pastoral call took them to Mayville, NY, where they adopted their first son, Christopher, in 1969. They later settled in Albany, NY, where their second son, Jason, was born in 1973.

In Albany, LaVaughn worked for the New York State Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities for over 16 years, holding several roles in the Commissioner’s Office. Known for her wit, warmth, and magnetic personality, she was a natural in her role as a pastor’s wife, welcoming newcomers and building deep connections at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, where the family served for 27 years.

In 1997, LaVaughn and Craig retired and moved to Winston-Salem, NC, where she embraced new adventures, including learning to drive for the first time and pursuing a dream of working retail at Dollar Tree. She later worked in night audit accounting at Graylyn Conference Center. Her lifelong love of horses led her to Hollybrook Farm in Lexington, NC, where she joyfully helped care for Morgan show horses for over 15 years.

LaVaughn had a gift for turning acquaintances into lifelong friends. Her home was always open, and her front porch—often decorated with festive seasonal displays—became a beloved neighborhood gathering place, filled with laughter and fellowship.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Craig; sons Christopher (wife Melissa) of NY, and Jason (wife Kristen) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Zachary (wife Samantha), Emily, and great-granddaughter Rylee. She also leaves behind her two cherished cats, Patch and Insty. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, two sisters, and many extended family members.

A celebration of LaVaughn’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on June 7 at First Lutheran Church, Lexington, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to SaddlebredRescue.com, Northwind Stables, Hartwood, NJ 08003.