Vaughn suffered a stroke in 2000 after checking himself into the hospital in Lansing and was excused from Senate session for the remaining two years of his term. When he left the Senate in 2002, the Senate recognized him as having "'fought the good fight' on behalf of the people of Detroit," and that his "consistent efforts on behalf of young people, his tireless leadership in promoting the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, and his advocacy of programs to help the needy have earned him widespread respect."Senate Resolution 290 (2002): A resolution for the Honorable Jackie Vaughn III146 Cong. Rec S7539 (Sen. Levin): Recognition of State Senator Jackie Vaughn III
