Sue was born on June 28, 1937, in Nantahala Gorge, Swain County, N.C. She was born to Wade and Cynthia Southard Dunbar, and had 10 siblings, three brothers and seven sisters, whom she remained close to.
She became a born-again Christian around the age of 12. 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 nine churches in five 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, 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, V.B.S., 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 Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 ½ years, the Rev. Billy R. Buchanan; her sons and daughters-in-law, Ricky and Heidi Buchanan, and Ronnie and Debbie Buchanan, all of Robbinsville, N.C.; her grandchildren and their spouses, Kimberly (Robert) Ojeda of Kansas, Jennifer (Tommy) Winegardner of Robbinsville, Katelynn (Jose) Guerrero of Wyoming, Chellsea Buchanan of Utah, Charlie Buchanan of Robbinsville, N.C., 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, N.C., 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 were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, at the Mountain Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Tom Buchanan officiated.
Townson-Smith Funeral Home was honored to serve the Buchanan family.
An online register is available at townson-smithfuneralhome.com.