Carole LaVaughn Beauchamp

Carole LaVaughn Beauchamp, 91, beloved Daughter, Spouse, Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother (GG), and friend was called to her eternal resting place in heaven on February 26, 2025. She entered this world on August 10, 1933, in Pleasant Hope, MO, born to David Frank and Maxine (Kibby) Crockett. She is survived by three children, six grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

LaVaughn was a military spouse to CW3 (retired) Glen Dale Beauchamp (11/15/1930 - 11/29/2021) through years of service in the Navy, Air Force, and Army. She and Glen retired to a home in the country outside of Belton, TX for over thirty years. She had retired from being a teacher and librarian with the Killeen Independent School District. Most recently, she lived at Stoney Brook Assisted Living in Belton. She often expressed her thankfulness to her many caregivers and the whole Amedysis Hospice team.

LaVaughn’s children are Stephen Dale Beauchamp (wife Linda) of Burleson, TX; son David Ray Beauchamp (wife Debbie) of Kansas City, KS; daughter Debra Kay "D." Kirkland (husband Don) of Belton, TX. Her grandchildren through Stephen are Jennifer Hutchens (husband Alex) of Justin, TX; Michelle Smith (husband Bob) of Ft. Worth, TX; and Richard Beauchamp (wife Ilsa) of Smyrna, TN. Her grandchildren through David are John Beauchamp (wife Ashley) of Kansas City, KS; Sarah Doran (husband James) of Belton, TX, Luke Beauchamp (wife Brooke) of Shawnee, KS; and Anna Beauchamp (Heaven).

Great-grandchildren through Jennifer Hutchens are Jacob (wife Alison), Anneka, Justin, Benjamin, and Brandon; through Michelle Smith are Taylor, Travis, Dalton, and Kylie; through Richard Beauchamp are Paige, Abigail, Elisabeth, Madelyn, and Lillian; through John Beauchamp are Elijah, Noah, and Charlotte; through Sarah are Chase and Hunter; and through Luke are Hayden and Selah.

LaVaughn was a faithful Christian and member of Southern Baptist churches (First Baptist of Belton and Killeen). She loved music and was a Pianist/Accompanist, Alto in the JOY Singing Group (Senior Ladies), Church Choirs, and FBC Senior Choir. She was active in Sunday School and morning services. She enjoyed the FBC-Belton YouTube recordings when she stopped attending in person.

All of LaVaughn’s family, cousins, in-laws, friends, neighbors, and colleagues would agree that she was a gracious lady who would always reach out and keep everyone connected and celebrated. She was a generous gift-giver to all and blessed so many with her smile and hugs. She was the “keeper of the pictures and memorabilia for friends and family alike. She was known for planning, decorating, and hosting all kinds of parties at home, church groups, and community (family, friends, and organizations).

LaVaughn enjoyed reading, crocheting, and traveling. Until her eyesight diminished, she would read both hard copy and digital books and articles. Among other projects, she was able to crochet or knit afghans for all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She and her husband enjoyed many travels through their 69 years of marriage in the United States and abroad. She enjoyed her bell collection that represented many of her vacations and avocations.

Some of LaVaughn’s favorites included Western movies and TV series, going out to eat, chocolate meringue pies, chocolate candy with nuts, and orange slice candies. According to her daughter she made the “the best meatloaf ever.”

A time of visitation will be held with friends and family at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Belton Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Graveside services will be held at 9:00 am Friday, March 7 at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. A memorial service will also be held following interment on Friday at First Baptist Church in Belton at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Hospice House by visiting ourhospicehouse.org/donate/, the Temple Literacy Council by visiting www.templeliteracy.org/, or to any library of your choice.