Remembering | Honoring Denai Downs Vaughn
At 2 am, I was ready to retire for the day. After a long day of working diligently in my home office, I was tired & looking forward to stretching and relaxing with a good book. But wait, I thought to myself. Just before I go, let me have a peek at my facebook for the latest news. And that’s when I saw it….
Dear friends – it is with great sorrow that I write this. My dear friend, Denai Downs Vaughn, lost her life in a tragic auto accident about 4 hours ago. Those who knew Denai know how much she loved life. She was so passionate about family, friends and faith. We have truly lost an incredible woman and heaven has gained an angel. I spoke with her father and he asked that we all pray for Tim and Victoria (Tori). I have no words. Rest in peace sweet Denai. You will be missed.
Oh God… How Can This Be?
No! Not Denai… How could this woman of God, serving him so faithfully be gone? Denai who lived life “OUT LOUD?” This bundle of energy, the Woohoo Girl… Well, no sleep for me on this night – I spent the rest of the night reading her latest posts, looking at her pictures and videos. Remembering…
We Skyped For The Last Time About 3 Months Ago.
We had fun, we both couldn’t sleep and we chatted long into the night about our goals, our dreams, our faith. I can still hear her soft giggle as we clowned around. Such a precious memory.
You see, I got to know Denai one faithful night when my facebook had gone awry. She noticed and sent me an inbox to see if I could use her help. That was Denai. Always reaching out. That night, we became friends.
I worked with Denai for 6 months on one of her projects, The Royal Networker, The Elite Networker & The Protege Club. We got to know each other really well as we skyped and sent each other messages. What a beautiful person she was.
Denai Was HONORED To Be Nominated On October 25th as
America’s Most Influential Business Connector for 2nd YR In A Row
Denai Wore Many Hats:
- The NETWORKING Queen / Savvy Entrepreneur / The Woohoo Girl
- Host of Excellence Worx / Only 3 Degrees / Blog Talk Radio
- The Royal Networker / The PROTEGE Club
- Thrive with 5 / iFBtv Network / RAW Woman Tv
- Author, Weak Brands Promise, Strong Brands Deliver
- Public Speaker / Influencer / Teacher
- Friend / Daughter / Mother / Wife
- Follower of Jesus
- Her presence was felt all over the net…
“You’ve got options, but there is only one BEST option. Know what that is?
Watch and Discover.
~ Denai Vaughn”
Denai Recorded This Video, Outlive Your Life on November 7, 2010
We aren’t promised tomorrow, but we do have today. How will YOU make today more meaningful and purpose-filled?
Who needs to hear you say that you care through a phone call, text, email, video, or visit?
Don’t wait for a wedding or funeral. Do it TODAY.
~ Denai Vaughn https://youtu.be/Ttr15GeV7Zc
Grief – Loss of a Spouse, Parent or Child
And here is her last recording on Excellence Worx, wrapped up a couple of hours before her death. So prophetic…
Listen to internet radio with Excellence Worx on Blog Talk Radio
That was my friend Denai. She had heart and she had faith. She loved life, she loved her family and she loved God. She knew her purpose and lived life to the fullest. She was loved all around the world. Always full of big visions, full of big dreams. Sharing. Taking action. She was the Royal Networker & the NETWORKING Queen.
Denai was & will continue to be an incredible light in the world. I am forever changed for having known her. My heartfelt sympathies to her husband Tim, and her daughter, Victoria (Tori). Please continue to share her videos and her message. She lived a life that definitely outlived her life and we can all learn a huge lesson from her.
♥ Denai, Love You My Sweet Friend!
Until We Reconnect One Day In Heaven…♥
Remembering | Honoring Denai Downs Vaughn
- Do more. Be more. Achieve more. YOU ARE WORTH IT! ~ Denai Vaughn
- My definition of “WOOHOO” : Winning Others Over, Helping Others Out ~ Denai Vaughn
- May you have a “WOOHOO!!!” day. YOU ARE WORTH IT! ~ Denai Vaughn
- I choose not to waste time on negativity & close-mindedness. There’s too many optimistic & like-minded people I desire to connect with. ~ Denai Vaughn
➽ Please leave a comment below to celebrate & honor Denai’s life… Thank you. ❥
I still miss this incredible lady!
I met Denai in grade school… so I knew her as a child, as well as an adult, and this is so hard to bear. It is difficult, so reading your post about grief and missing her is very welcome. I know she did so many wonderful things, and now her message might reach even more people in her death, but it is still so shocking. I am still in disbelief about it. Her parents are such lovely people, and she wanted to do so much in the small community she returned to last year. It is just heartbreaking.
Thank you so much for your note, Jolee. So nice to meet a friend of hers. She was the kind of person you just connected with instantly, she was so real. I can’t believe she has been gone for 3 weeks now… Denai always had big plans that she put action to, she was going places. She is so missed by so many. ❥ (If you’re on Facebook, look me up. I’d love to meet you…)
Sincerely, Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
What a wonderful post Norma. Thanks for sharing this beautiful person with us. It is hard for me to understand how someone like that – who had done so much for others and seemingly still had so much good to give – could be finished with her work here. I’m so glad that her words live on in her audios and videos. I’m sorry for your loss, and my heart just breaks for her daughter.
I know, Jennifer… so hard to understand. Denai had a heart of gold, what you saw is who she was. What a legacy she left behind… Some things we just don`t have answers for… Thanks for stopping by, my friend. x0x Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Thank you, for sharing with all of us what a beautiful woman Denai was. Not only were you blessed to have such an Amazing friend…but she was blessed to have you as one, as well! Again, I am sorry for your loss. Someone once told me when I was missing my mom, that she was only a thought away ;) {hugs}
For sure, Susan. Our loved ones’ memories never leave us. I have to remind myself after 5 years that my Mom is gone – just when I want to pick up the phone to call her. Really, what they have done is moved… changed their address and they are too far to visit, for now. But oh! One day…. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Norma,
This is a beautiful tribute to a lady I did not know, but now wish I had. We’ll never know why God took her home early, but i have to think He needed her home more than we needed her here. Thank you for sharing your heart with us Norma.
Rod, if you had met her you guys would have had a ball talking Social Media – she was the Networking Queen and very savvy. You would have loved her enthusiasm and wit. Thanks for sharing. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
What a lovely tribute to a lovely woman and friend, Norma. I must agree. Though I did not know here, Denai’s death is definitely a loss for all of us. I am sorry to hear of her passing.
Yes… Marie, thanks for sharing that. Her legacy will live on in her daughter… You know, Denai lost 7 or 9 embryos… trying to get pregnant. She is now with those babies… she had lots of love to share that’s for sure… Just the vision of her with those babies brings chills… Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Norma…..what a powerful tribute! The good news is that she lives on through friends like you and now all of us who have been blessed to read and listen to this post! Her legacy continues! Thank you, Norma!
Yes Carl. One day… the grand reunion. What a day that will be when the heavenlies celebrate our homecoming! Jesus IS Lord! x0x
Norma,
Thank you for sharing these posts about Denai. I never met her, however, my Pastor and his wife, Julie Clark, are her aunt and uncle, from Tim’s side of the family. I have been so blessed by the videos and comments people have left on her page. She is an amazing woman. I know there are folks in our church (Evangel Life Center) here in Madison, that have been moved by her legacy. Some are even reading the Max Lucado book. You are a wonderful friend for honoring her with this page. God Bless!
Mary
That is awesome, Mary. Such a blessing to see people honoring her love for God. She would love that people have been touched for Him. Thank you for sharing that with me. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Thank you Norma, well written and presented tribute…It is hard, very hard to lose a close friend, Denai is in a great place right now…those who she loved and cared about will suffer the most, my heart goes out for them in a big way…hugs to you! Her daughter is just 6, I lost my mum when I was 7, for me it was tough…so sad…
Not easy losing a parent when you’re young. So much that we miss out on. Always wondering how it could’ve been. I lost my Dad in a horrible accident when I was 14… Yeah. Thanks for sharing, Solvita. x0x
Beautiful tribute Norma! I agree with Nancy – That is a heartbreaking post. Thank you so much for posting it!
You know, sharing about Denai is kinda therapeutic? I know, it’s weird. Thanks, Anastasiya. x0x
Oh Norma, I too was in shock when I heard the news, so young and yet so much more life to live. Thank you for this amazing post that not only honors her but reminds us of the lives that we still have to live. Many blessings to you my friend!
You made me smile… you knew Denai! (-_-) Then you understand completely… thanks for sharing. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Beautiful tribute Norma. its hard to understand why these things happen sometimes, but they do. Best to accept it, learn form it and move forward. Blessings to you Norma.
Thanks for stopping by Anita. Things do happen for a reason even if we don’t understand why. Our small minds cannot wrap themselves around the big picture… x0x Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
It is so hard to understand death sometimes and the “why” of it. This is an amazing tribute to the lady but more importantly a lovely tribute to your friendship. Great post, Norma!
Oh Kim…. Denai was the real deal. What you saw is who she really was, even when no one was looking. She blessed my life richly… x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Norma,
What a beautiful, loving tribute to your friend. did not know of her, but wish I had. It is very clear that she lived her purpose here on earth and touched many lives in doing so. I will pray for you and all of her friends and her young family.
Thanks, Michele. Pray for her family. I do believe they are doing ok but still need prayers. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
So, so sorry for the loss of your friend. She sounds, in her videos, as somebody who was really passionate about God. He’s lucky to have her :)
Oh yes, Tara…. Denai is probably organizing heaven right now! (-_-) She had so much energy & dreams. Thanks for visiting. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Norma thank you for sharing the blessing that is Denai. Her life blessed me richly, just within this post. I know you’ll understand me when I say, I was suppose to see this today. God truly made his point. Thank you for sharing.
No coincidence, right Stephanie? God prepares things in advance because He knows exactly how to minister to our needs. Blessings, my friend. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
First, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. This is such a beautiful tribute. Although I didn’t know her, I saw the “Outlive Your Life” video on Facebook. She was so incredibly inspiring and I was crying by the time I finished watching the video. It sounds like she touched so many people’s lives. Thank you for sharing.
It is an honor to showcase Denai. She did touch many lives, the span of it her family will hear about for years to come. An amazing woman, full of life. I pray that Tori cherishes the memories always… x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
What a best way to give a tribute to your friend Norma! Thank you for sharing her memory and inspiring us and letting us believe that angels really do exists in the form of our colleagues and friends.
Yes. Denai was my sister in Christ. So grateful she connected… there is a purpose for everything under Heaven. Nothing happens by accident. Blessings to you, Lorii. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
I did not have the privilege of knowing Denai, but your tribute to her made me feel as though we had been friends. Thank you for such a heartfelt and tender post.
Welcome Ronae. Special friend indeed – that was Denai. Thanks for visiting. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Her spirit radiates from the pictures and even the love you radiate FOR her even after her passing. I pray you find peace in the acceptance God’s will makes it all perfect in due time xoxox
I know that Denai is with the Savior she loved so much. She is sitting at the Master’s feet…. And, oh what joy it is that one day we will be reconnected in Heaven. See, there is hope when you have faith. Denai is not over….she is beginning her new life. I can just imagine all the new plans she’s got going up there…
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
beautiful. tears. thank you for sharing. too much for words.
Her legacy lives on in all the lives she touched. Denai accomplished her goal – she outlived her life very well. I know she is dancing with Jesus as we speak… such amazing love. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Thank you for sharing her memory with the rest of us and the wisdom that she shared. Wisdom.
How can I not share Denai’s message… Yes, she certainly had wisdom. The Bible says that if we ask for wisdom, it will be given to us. That was Denai…
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Such a beautiful and touching post in honor of your friend Denai!
Thanks, Antonina… she was a woman of God. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Norma, what a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing with the rest of us just how special this lady was….and the lesson that all of us can come away with…just as Denai related to people on a daily basis….Live your life to the fullest….People and relationships matter most … Make time NOW while you have the chance. My sympathies to her family and to you, her friend…. ((HUGS)) Sue
Denai was an amazing woman, so much wisdom for a person so young… Thanks, Sue. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Norma,
What a beautiful post to honour your friend.
She was a beautiful passionate person and I’m glad you shared your memory of her here.
Thanks, Peggy. She has left quite a few people missing her but truly blessed to have known her. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Oh my gosh Norma! How tragic. I didn’t know Denai, but I am sitting here crying from your incredibly loving tribute to her. The photo of her and her husband and little girl really did me in! Yours’ and her message is heard, understood, and so much appreciated!
Yes… I watched Denai’s funeral online, streamed from her church. My heart leaped when I saw Tori, 6 years old… up with the worship team singing her little heart out to the song, Everlasting God. Listen to the words and be blessed. That is the hope of Heaven – Denai left that for Tori… x0x
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGPTK24hQxc
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
She sounds wonderful. Sorry for your loss!
Thank you. She was…. Thinking of her husband Tim and daughter Tori. I know they’ll be ok because of the hope of Heaven. x0x
Thank you for sharing this Norma! She was a beautiful person on the inside and out. She touched many lives and continues to do so with her videos and radio replays. She is networking in heaven now:) Hugs..Norma!
Absolutely, Daisy. Her legacy lives on through her videos, all her online friendships, her family & loved ones… She had a short life but she lived out loud & to the fullest. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
That is a heartbreaking post…It is so nice of you to share what Denai has done for you, the fun you had and such personal stuff. Praying for you and her family along with many others out there in this tragic time. Hugs
Nancy, keep her family in prayer as they go through this transition in their life. I know they have the hope of reuniting in Heaven but still hard to go through the process… x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Thank you, Norma. I felt both the powerful presence of a life well lives, and your deep affection for a beloved friend and colleague.
Denai understood her mission in life. She had vision and goals but her family & God came first. She inspired me… x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
I’m glad I saw the video of Denai. She makes so much sense. It’s amazing how much people are looking towards the outside for answers. Look inwards & be yourself – great message. Thanks for sharing.
Yes. Denai was the most grounded person I know. Priorities in the right place, strong in her faith and who she was in Christ. Not ashamed of the gospel & it’s truth. She lived well… and her legacy lives on. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
What a beautiful, heartfelt, touching tribute to your friend…..I did not know Denai and I wish that I had. She sounds like such a light to this world. I am sorry to hear of her passing….hugs to you, Norma…..
Denai is actually the one who gave me the name of this blog. As we skyped one night, we were sharing and she out of the blue came up with the LEARNED Preneur. It’s so weird, it just felt right as I whispered it… I later reflected on it and looked at other names but always came back to it. So glad I did. It now has so much more meaning. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮