Born in Parkersburg on September 30, 1903, Miss Berdie DeVaughn was the daughter of the late Okey H. and Nellie Morrison DeVaughn. Miss DeVaughn was an employee of the City of Parkersburg, where she retired after 20 years of service. She was also a secretary with the Street and Fire Departments.

Miss DeVaughn established a fund at the Foundation through a bequest. The fund's purpose was to provide students the opportunity to pursue higher education. It was originally created to support the most deserving high school graduate of the year who was being sheltered in either the Henry Logan Children's Home or the Union Mission of Parkersburg, for the sole purpose of furthering his or her education. Since those organizations no longer exist, the fund now provides scholarships to students at West Virginia University at Parkersburg or Ohio Valley University from Wood County, West Virginia who need financial assistance to pursue further education.