Obituary of Mae Woodard Buchanan

Mae Woodard Buchanan, 98, of Sylva, died February 22, 2015 at Morningstar Assisted Living Home after a period of declining health. A long-time resident of the Savannah community, she was preceded in death by her parents, Cleve and Ruth Woodard; her husband, Cecil Buchanan; her brothers, Leeman and Frank; and her grandson, Caleb Morgan. Mae was born in the Pumpkintown community on January 11, 1917. Her father died when she was only four, leaving her mother to provide for her and her two brothers. Her childhood was very difficult as she would often recall in later years, but it imbued her with a quiet strength and determination that would last throughout her long life. Upon reaching adulthood, Mae worked a variety of jobs to help support her family. Like so many other young women of her generation, she was employed in the defense industry during WWII. Mae wed Cecil Buchanan of the Savannah community in 1947. A follower of Jesus Christ from a young age, Mae was a member of the New Savannah Baptist Church since 1951. She served her Lord and her church family for many years in a number of different duties including Sunday School teacher, church clerk, choir leader, Vacation Bible School teacher-leader, Baptist Association delegate and deacon. She is survived by her daughter, Cecilia B. Morgan and son-in-law Griff of Franklin, a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Buchanan of the Savannah community, numerous nieces and nephews, and very special friends, Blair and Joan Yount of Sylva. She will be remembered as a consummate homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor. The family would like to express their gratitude to the management and staff of Morningstar Assisted Living, who have also been her family for the last 8 years and to Four Seasons Hospice for their care and support. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm before the service. Rev. Ray Knowles and Rev. John Reid will officiate. Burial will follow in New Savannah Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to New Savannah Baptist Church, PO Box 543, Webster, NC 28788 or Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. . .