December 14, 2025, 78, Goldsboro – With utmost Sympathy and Compassion, we, the professionals at Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors, join with the DeVaughn and connected families to announce the earthly departure of Ms. Lucy Margaret Devaughn.
Lucy Margaret DeVaughn was born on October 13, 1947, in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She transitioned from this realm on December 15, 2025. Lucy was the fourth child born to William Kenneth DeVaughn and Fannie Mae DeVaughn (née Holoman). At an early age, Lucy went to live with her great-aunt and namesake, Lucy Lewis (née Best) and Sylvester Lewis, who raised her as their daughter.
Lucy enjoyed a charmed life growing up in the Lewis household. They traveled often and spent many weekends and summers fishing at the coast.
Lucy married William P. Rich in 1963. Their 10-year union produced two sons, William Anthony Rich and Gabriel Massai Rich.
Lucy relocated from Goldsboro to Atlantic City, where she welcomed the change of pace life paved for her. She flourished in her career as the lead housekeeping supervisor for Resorts International Hotel/Casino. Under Lucy’s leadership, Resorts International kept the highest housekeeping rating among hotels in Atlantic City. She formed friendships that lasted until her passing. Lucy also reached back home and brought up some of her nieces and nephews to stay with her and help them find jobs.
Always a snazzy dresser, Lucy was known for both her fashion sense and love for exotic birds. One bird, a macaw named Major Blue, has now been in the family for 35 years.
Besides Amp and Gabe, Lucy is survived by her granddaughter, Dalela Aisola Rich, of Berkeley, California. , She is also survived by two sisters, Maddie Bell DeVaughn of Goldsboro, and Alease Holston of Augusta, Georgia. Plus, there are a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends that will remember the woman who was affectionately known as Lucy Mae.
She is preceded in death by three sisters, Helen Marie Raiford, Cherrie Lee Raiford and Zealy Mae DeVaughn.
Rest well, Lucy. You fought the good fight. You’re at peace, now. It’s time for you to go home to be reunited with Lucy and Sylvester.
Services of Love & Compassionate Care have been entrusted to Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors and Cremations, LLC.
