Phoebe Brunson DeVaughn

Phoebe Brunson DeVaughn passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Somerby Assisted Living in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Phoebe Brunson DeVaughn, was born in Tallassee, Alabama. Her family moved to Montgomery, where she attended Lanier High School, and later the University of Alabama, and Huntingdon College. She met James E DeVaughn Jr., while he was a student at Auburn University, and they were married in April 1954, in Montgomery. The couple moved to Montezuma, GA where James was a farmer and peach grower, with his father, J.E., and brother Joe.

Phoebe was a well-known artist, having studied as a child under Kelly Fitzpatrick, celebrated Alabama artist of the 1940’s. Other instructors with whom she studied over the years were Sam Hutto of Mercer University, Rett English, and Watercolorists Edgar Whitney, J.E. Draper, Sr., George Cherepov, Don Kingman, Alex Powers, and Marc Chatov. The lush colors and spontaneous style of Phoebe’s paintings beckon one to the small towns, farmlands, and beaches of the South. Her paintings are in collections in the United States and abroad. 

Phoebe was an avid golfer, and loved playing with her Ladies Golf Association friends at McKenzie Memorial C.C., and in various tournaments in central and south Georgia. Phoebe was a loving wife and mother, and a good, fun-loving friend to many. 

Phoebe is preceded in death by her husband James (1997), and by her second husband Bill Porter of Troy, AL (2023); her parents Phoebe J. Brunson and Donald H. Brunson, and brother Don Brunson, Jr.

She is survived by her sister Betty Barrett of Montgomery, AL, her daughters Laura Cunningham (David), Alison DeVaughn Tanner, and son Jay DeVaughn (Lori). Three grandchildren Amelie Tanner Bibb (Garrett), Dave Cunningham (Carolina), and Eli DeVaughn, along with a great-granddaughter Emma Jeanne Cunningham.

A private memorial service was held at Felton Cemetery on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM, in Montezuma, GA. Montezuma Methodist Pastor Jonathon Beckum officiated.

The family invites those desiring to, please make donations to Alaqua Animal Refuge, 155 Dugas Way, Freeport, FL 32439 or www.alaqua.org or Montezuma Methodist Church, 201 North Dooly St., Montezuma, GA 31063 or www.mtzmethodist.org