Barbara J DeVaughn

Barbara Jean DeVaughn was born on January 14, 1939, in Jacksonville, FL to the late James Jefferson, Sr. and Dora Lee Jefferson. She graduated from Girls High School in Roxbury, MA in 1958 and went on to IBM School where she graduated and proceeded to work at Massachusetts General Hospital for 26 years at which time she retired. Barbara and Ludie met at Concord Baptist Church in the early 50’s and were married on April 18, 1968.

Mrs. Barbara J. DeVaughn’s fraternal journey started in Rising Sun Chapter, No. 2, Order of the Eastern Star in November 1970. After working in several stations and on committees, Sis. DeVaughn advanced to the highest office a sister can hold serving as Worthy Grand Matron from 2008 – 2010.

In 1973, Royal Lady Barbara DeVaughn joined Mt. Olivet Royal Court No. 3, Order of Cyrene Crusaders. She advanced to the Office of Royal Commandress and went on to serve as Royal Grand Commandress for the Prince Hall Royal Grand Court Order of Cyrene Crusaders, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its Jurisdiction. She then became the International Grand Princess Commandress of the International Grand Court Cyrene Crusaders Prince Hall Affiliated, the highest Office in the country.

Heroine Barbara DeVaughn was a Charter Member of Naomi Court No. 2, Heroines of Jericho. She was appointed the first Most Ancient Matron, serving alongside her husband, the late Companion Ludie D. DeVaughn, Most Worthy Joshua, for three years. After groundbreaking work, they were elected to Most Ancient Grand Matron and Most Worthy Grand Joshua of the Most Ancient Prince Hall Grand Court Heroines of Jericho, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and became active in the General Conference of Grand Courts Heroines of Jericho. Heroine DeVaughn also attained the highest Office in the Heroines of Jericho, General Conference Grand Most Ancient Matron of the General Conference Grand Court Heroines of Jericho of the United States and Bahamas Prince Hall Affiliated.

Royal Matron Barbara DeVaughn joined Ish Sodi Court No. 5, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, and served as Royal Perfect Matron under the Jurisdiction of New York. She transferred her membership when the group became Ish Sodi Court No. 1 under the Prince Hall Grand Council Royal and Select Masters Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Loyal Lady Barbara DeVaughn joined Prince Hall Assembly No. 2 Order of the Golden Circle and served its highest station as Loyal Lady Ruler.

Daughter Barbara J. DeVaughn joined Syria Court No. 10 Daughters Auxiliary to the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. She served as Illustrious Commandress and also worked in the Imperial Court and was awarded the distinction of Honorary Past Imperial Commandress.

Princess Barbara J. DeVaughn was one of six ladies of the Jurisdiction of Massachusetts invited to join Phyllis McKoy Priorate No. 4, Princess York Cross of Honour.

Even though it was during Covid, her Chapter gave Sis. Barbara J. DeVaughn her Fifty Year Pin for 50 years of faithful Service. She also received her flowers while she could smell them by her friends at the same time, in the parking lot of the Prince Hall Masonic Temple. Sis. DeVaughn completed every task she put her hand to and completed them within order and with perfection. She will be sorely missed.

On August 2, 2022, God, in his infinite wisdom, called that which was mortal into immortality. Barbara leaves to cherish her memory her brother James Jefferson Jr., West Roxbury, MA; children Wayne Michael DeVaughn, Jr., Revere, MA; Stephanie Rene Beebe (William), Abington, MA; three grandchildren Sonya Rene Powell, Taunton, MA; Wayne DeVaughn Jr, Framingham, MA; Dashawn Marquis A. Lewis, Covington, GA; five great grandchildren Kamari Lewis, Kamora Lewis, Covington, GA; Daisy Powell, Dalila D. Powell and Ryan Powell Jr, Taunton MA; and one godchild Tamara Michelle DeVaughn, Providence, RI; Barbara had a special relationship with her niece Mary Verdell DeVaughn, Roslindale, MA and Shanrita L. Wakefield, Roxbury, MA. She also leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Ludie Davis DeVaughn.

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