Julie Vaughan

Julie Lawrence Vaughan, 56, of Beaufort, passed away at the UNC Hospice Home in Pittsboro, NC.

 A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Harkers Island Ward. Burial will follow at the Red Hill Cemetery on Harkers Island. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Friday at the church. 

Newlyweds David and Carol Lawrence welcomed to the world Julie Caroline, Oct 14th, 1968. She was a beautiful baby with dark skin and dark eyes, two traits that remained with her throughout her life. She became her father’s “dumpling”, a nickname she always loathed. Along the shores of her Island home, Julie grew and the family did too. At two years old, she became a big sister with the arrival of her brother Corey “Bump.” Julie’s kind, loving, nurturing way began all those years ago with a love for her brother that always seemed to grow from season to season and year after year. 

 At the foot of Red Hill, Julie was raised in the old home place that her grandparents Telford and Gertie Willis built. “Twin oaks” is remembered as the hub for aunts, uncles and cousins that were more like best friends. The highlight of each year would be when family came to visit from other states because more of her “crowd” were home. As a girl Julie was always excited to pack a little suitcase for a stay with her grandparents David and Annie Lee Lawrence on the east end of the island. Staying with “granny Annie” meant helping her grandmother at the island florist. That also allowed her to be around her other cousins on the “Rose” side of the family. 

Julie attended Harkers Island Elementary school and graduated East Carteret High School in 1986. That summer she began work at Seaside Galley and soon became the head cook. That led to a career spanning 38 years where she met many waitresses, busboys and line cooks. Over all those years many close and very meaningful relationships developed. It wasn’t unusual for people to call and ask if Julie was cooking. The regulars knew if she was there the food was going to be just a little bit better. 

 Julie was married for a time and from this marriage came her one and only Madison. Two people couldn’t be more alike. They shared not only the same looks but the same personalities. It was never easy for Julie raising a daughter mostly on her own. For a while she had the help of her mother as well as Madison’s grandmother on her father’s side. Around this time of her life, other children came in the form of a niece and nephews. David being the first born into the family. Julie spoiled him and in her eyes he could do no wrong. When Gracey her niece arrived a couple months after Maddie, their bond was more like sisters than cousins. 

Through the best part of her adult years, Julie felt as though her ship may never come in. Then “once upon a time” her close cousin Megan introduced her to a man that would change her life forever. Gary Denning, who had been living on the coast for the better part of thirty years, met and instantly fell for the quiet, easy going woman. It didn’t take too long before she realized he might actually be “the one”. Julie Caroline had finally found someone that looked after her and always put her first. 

For the past ten years Julie and Gary have rode Harleys, gone on several Caribbean cruises and have flown to new heights in his airplanes. They were on one adventure after another doing things and seeing places that brought her great joy and happiness. 

Her daughter Madison met and married Alex Davis. Then just when Julie thought her life couldn’t be any better along came a granddaughter, Sophia. Unsurprisingly she too has the same beautiful looks as her mother and grandmother. Sophia truly made Julie’s life fulfilled. She was never happier than the last four months as a grandma. Her life was complete and though shorter than one would want, it has come full circle. Above all else she will be remembered best as someone who was kind, loyal, loving, easy going and most of all humble. All is well…she can now rest.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents David and Carol Lawrence. She is survived by her partner Gary Denning. Her Daughter Madison Leigh Davis (Alex) and Granddaughter Sophia. Brother Corey Lawrence (Nora). Nephews David, Will and Bray Lawrence and niece Gracey Lawrence with three bonus nieces Kristen, Emma and Ilyse.

 Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net.

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.