It is with great sadness that the family and friends of Mary Alice Buchanan make note of her passing on May 24, 2020 at the age of 89, just one month shy of her 90th birthday.
Mary was born to Homer and Fannie Reynolds of Wayne County, Mississippi, where she attended school and later met her husband, C.J. "Buck" Buchanan.
Mary received her bachelor, masters degree and teaching credentials from the University of Southern Mississippi. Mary was a lifelong learner as well as a devoted, outstanding wife, mother sister, educator, artist and friend. When Buck's work brought the family to Manteca, California, Mary taught for many years at both Lindbergh and Lincoln Elementary School. After retirement and her husband's passing, Mary moved back to Laurel, Mississippi to reside closer to family. She continued to pursue her love of the arts and crafts, oil and pastel painting, quilting, knitting and all needle arts, travel, gardening and her love of reading and history. Above all else, Mary cherished the precious times she spent in the warm, sustaining company of family and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband C.J. "Buck" Buchanan, her son, Ronald Ned Buchanan and her five brothers.
Mary is survived by her children, Jan Jacobo of Laurel, Mississippi, Gail Smith (Gary) and Mike Buchanan of Soso, Mississippi, grandchildren Moises Jacobo (Laura) of Prosper, Texas, Mandy Chung (Shad) of Southhaven, Mississippi, Kelli Jacobo of Casper, Wyoming, and Lisa Corley (Matt) of Senatobia, Mississippi. She is also survived by her beloved great-grandchildren, Emily Burris (Jared), Jaycee Wooten (Jordan), Lakelyn Jacobo, Sadie Braddock, T.J. Braddock, Conner Jacobo, Alex Chung and Trace Corley. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews as well as her most cherished friend, Becky Rector of Manteca, California.
Mary greatly enjoyed her years as an elementary educator. She was an exceptional teacher who led by courage, kindness and example. She inspired and touched thousands of lives both in and out of the classroom. Though Mary encountered many challenges in life, she always provided strength, inspiration and a positive balance to all those around her. Her indomitable spirit and absolutely treasured heart lives on in memories, laughter and love. Her legacy, in addition to her beloved family, will always be one strength, generosity and a deep and abiding love for Jesus.
Graveside services were held on May 28, 2020 at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi with Rev. Jim Taylor officiating. Pallbearers were Shad Chung, Gary Smith, Matt Corley, T.J. Braddock, Phillip Husband and Trace Corley.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Mary Buchanan to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Hellfighters Ministry in Laurel, Mississippi.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Mary was born to Homer and Fannie Reynolds of Wayne County, Mississippi, where she attended school and later met her husband, C.J. "Buck" Buchanan.
Mary received her bachelor, masters degree and teaching credentials from the University of Southern Mississippi. Mary was a lifelong learner as well as a devoted, outstanding wife, mother sister, educator, artist and friend. When Buck's work brought the family to Manteca, California, Mary taught for many years at both Lindbergh and Lincoln Elementary School. After retirement and her husband's passing, Mary moved back to Laurel, Mississippi to reside closer to family. She continued to pursue her love of the arts and crafts, oil and pastel painting, quilting, knitting and all needle arts, travel, gardening and her love of reading and history. Above all else, Mary cherished the precious times she spent in the warm, sustaining company of family and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband C.J. "Buck" Buchanan, her son, Ronald Ned Buchanan and her five brothers.
Mary is survived by her children, Jan Jacobo of Laurel, Mississippi, Gail Smith (Gary) and Mike Buchanan of Soso, Mississippi, grandchildren Moises Jacobo (Laura) of Prosper, Texas, Mandy Chung (Shad) of Southhaven, Mississippi, Kelli Jacobo of Casper, Wyoming, and Lisa Corley (Matt) of Senatobia, Mississippi. She is also survived by her beloved great-grandchildren, Emily Burris (Jared), Jaycee Wooten (Jordan), Lakelyn Jacobo, Sadie Braddock, T.J. Braddock, Conner Jacobo, Alex Chung and Trace Corley. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews as well as her most cherished friend, Becky Rector of Manteca, California.
Mary greatly enjoyed her years as an elementary educator. She was an exceptional teacher who led by courage, kindness and example. She inspired and touched thousands of lives both in and out of the classroom. Though Mary encountered many challenges in life, she always provided strength, inspiration and a positive balance to all those around her. Her indomitable spirit and absolutely treasured heart lives on in memories, laughter and love. Her legacy, in addition to her beloved family, will always be one strength, generosity and a deep and abiding love for Jesus.
Graveside services were held on May 28, 2020 at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi with Rev. Jim Taylor officiating. Pallbearers were Shad Chung, Gary Smith, Matt Corley, T.J. Braddock, Phillip Husband and Trace Corley.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Mary Buchanan to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Hellfighters Ministry in Laurel, Mississippi.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Friday, May 29, 2020
