Ora Helen Dixie Vaughn Emanuel, 1926-2023

Mrs. Ora Helen Dixie Vaughn Emanuel of San Angelo, Texas passed away peacefully on May 24, 2023 at the age of 97. She was born on February 1, 1926 in Bullard, Texas to Reverend. James Preston Vaughn and Mrs. Mattie (Redd) Vaughn. She was married on October 6,1950 to Mr. Richard O’Neal Emanuel in Fort Worth, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel were married for over forty years during which time Mr. Emanuel became a SMSgt in the Air Force, and the couple had four children.

She experienced and learned much in her lifetime, graduating from I. M. Terrell High School in Ft Worth, Texas as well as traveling around the world as a military wife and earning the USAF Electronics certification as a civilian having received her graduation certificate from General Paul Warfield Tibbets Jr. the pilot of The Enola Gay. The B-29 aircraft that launched the only two nuclear weapons used in warfare.

Upon returning to the United States, Mrs. Emanuel served as a dietician and cafeteria manager and Special Needs Student Employment Trainer for over fifteen years in the San Angelo Independent School District until her retirement.

Mrs. Emanuel was a Christian, a long-standing member of the Goodfellow Air Force Base Protestant Chapel Services and St. Paul Baptist Church. Mrs. Emanuel was also involved in community building having served as a founding member of the Juneteenth Committee of the Concho Valley, serving as its treasurer for more than a decade. Mrs. Emanuel was also a member of the La Coteries Society of San Angelo, the Blackshear High School Reunion Committee, the National Black Women’s Federation, and the Texas State Teachers Association. She was also a beloved Cub Scout Leader and Girl Scout Leader.

Mrs. Emanuel is preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Richard O’Neal Emanuel Sr. and two of her daughters, Ms. Mary Helen Mitchell and Ms. Yvonne Carol Emanuel. Survivors include her daughter, Dr. Delic Loyde, son, Mr. Richard O’Neal Emanuel Jr., grandson, Mr. Nolan Jager Loyde, granddaughters, Ms. Cheyenne Williams and Ms. Nicole Braddock, as well as a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and other relatives.

The viewing will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 10:00am in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel at 435 W. Beauregard Avenue followed by the funeral service in the same location at 11:00am. The burial has been entrusted to Fairmont Cemetery.