Katie Jo’s memory lives on in Simms
IN APRIL 2021, Amy Pope should be celebrating her daughter’s 18th birthday. But unfortunately, Katie Jo Vaughn died Nov. 8, 2020 at age 17. The death of the James Bowie High School senior shook the small community of Simms, Texas.
Katie Jo was incredibly involved in her community and participated in a multitude of school activities.
“Katie Jo believed it is better to give than to receive,” Amy said. “It just made her feel good when she volunteered.”
Katie Jo’s family has kept her memory alive by creating the Katie Jo Vaughn Memorial Scholarship Fund. The money donated to this fund is for seniors attending James Bowie High School.
“It gives me purpose to do this in memory of Katie Jo,” Amy said. “It keeps her memory alive and her legacy living.”
The close-knit community has played a big part in keeping Katie Jo’s memory alive as well by dedicating games to her and hanging signs that read “Do it for Katie Jo!” at sporting events.
Katie Jo had volunteered with the children in Little League at the Simms Youth Sports Association.
“Katie Jo was No. 5 in volleyball and basketball. So many younger girls looked up to Katie; from kindergartners to her junior classmates,” Amy said. “So, when little league basketball rolled around, all the little girls wanted to be No. 5. The coaches decided to name the team KJFIVE.”
The Sports Association posted on its Facebook page in January about how the KJFIVE played each game with Katie Jo in their hearts. “Every time these girls step onto the court, they know that Katie Jo is looking down from heaven, smiling big and cheering them on. Katie Jo left a legacy behind for beautiful little girls all over Texas, but Katie Jo holds a special place in these hometown girls’ hearts.”
James Bowie High students can fill out an application for scholarships until May 10 through school counselor Wendy May.
Donations for the Katie Jo Vaughn Memorial Scholarship Fund can be made directly to Simms Independent School District by check or money order made payable to Katie Jo Vaughn Memorial Scholarship Fund or to Simms ISD with the fund’s name in the memo. Mailing address is P.O. Box 9 Simms, TX 75574, or the donation can be made in person at the school administration office.
(For more information, call 903-543-2219.)