Sue (Dunbar) Buchanan

In memory of Margie Sue Buchanan, age 84.

Sue was born on June 28, 1937, in Nantahala Gorge, Swain County, NC.  She was born to Wade and Cynthia Southard Dunbar, and had 10 siblings, 3 brothers and 7 sisters, whom she remained close to.

She became a born-again Christian around the age of 12 years old.  She went on to marry Billy Buchanan on March 24, 1956.  They had two sons, Ricky and Ronnie. 

Billy became a Baptist minister in 1967.  She served along-side him as he ministered at 9 churches in 5 states over the course of their marriage.  She was a dedicated and devoted mother and pastor’s wife.  She saw the importance of a strong foundation in Christ and read Bible stories and prayed faithfully when her sons were young so they too would come to a strong knowledge of God and His word.

Sue taught Sunday School, VBS, was a helper in many events, and she sang in the churches they served.  Sue had a special place in her heart for elderly people in the nursing homes as well.  They adored her also.  She was a stay-at-home mom and took pride in her home and in her family.

She enjoyed reading and keeping her house neat, clean and organized.  She enjoyed hiking and camping with her family.  She was the foundation of her family and she made sacrifices so her loved ones always had what they needed and always felt her love.  She was a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother.  Our Heavenly Father took her home September 19, 2021.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 ½ years, Rev. Billy R. Buchanan; her sons and daughters in law, Ricky and Heidi Buchanan, and Ronnie and Debbie Buchanan, all of Robbinsville, NC; her grandchildren and their spouses, Kimberly (Robert) Ojeda of Kansas, Jennifer (Tommy) Winegardner of Robbinsville, NC, Katelynn (Jose) Guerrero of Wyoming, Chellsea Buchanan of Utah, Charlie Buchanan of Robbinsville, NC, Damian Ledbetter of Kentucky, Justin Ledbetter of North Carolina, Billy Joe (Jennie) Buchanan of Indiana, and John Thomas (Heather) Buchanan of Colorado.  Her great-grandchildren are Cassie, Donovan, Braylon, Kaden, Emily, Carson, McKenzie, Connor, Danika, Jose, Diego, Santiago, Jacob, Ollivia, Micaella, Cameron, Elle, Cole, T.J., and Roman.  She is also survived by her sister, Irene Poffenberger of Thomasville, NC, and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wade and Cynthia Southard Dunbar, her brothers, Frank, William, and Charles Dunbar, and her sisters, Dorothy, Annie, Phyliss, Janie, Joyce, and Mary.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, September 23, 2021, at Mountain Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.  Reverend Tom Buchanan will officiate.

Due to the risk of exposure to COVID 19, facial coverings and social distancing are required for those attending the service.

Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Buchanan family.  An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.