Vonda Sue King Buchanan, age 79, of the Powdermill Community peacefully departed from this life on April 30, 2025. She left behind a legacy rooted in love, faith and unwavering strength. She was born on February 27, 1946 in Newland, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Stokes and Oakie King.
She was a proud graduate of Cranberry High School, class of 1966. Vonda’ s life was a testament to the quiet power of kindness and commitment. She was a loyal wife to the late Robert “Big Rob” Buchanan, the love of her life. She often lovingly shared that he was the only man she had ever kissed, a simple yet profound testament to her deep and enduring love. Together they built a beautiful family filling their years with joy and treasured memories.
Vonda found joy in life’s simple pleasures, her crafting with plastic canvas brought her immense happiness, creating countless treasured gifts for her loved ones. Her passion for gardening filled her days with beauty and peace, especially in her flowers. Her home was filled with so many cow figurines that it resembled a cattle farm, a charming reflection of her vibrant personality. She collected hundreds of souvenir thimbles from everywhere her and her family visited and enjoyed looking through them to reminisce. Above all she cherished every moment spent with her family, taking pride in their achievements and the bonds they shared.
Vonda was a cherished mother to Eric Buchanan of Asheville, Regina Vance (Roy) of Powdermill and Tina Hughes (Danny) of Wilmington; a dear former mother-in-law to Teddy Hughes of Roaring Creek; a loving godmother to Sharon Pitts (Darrell) of Plumtree, always offering love and support with an open heart. She was also a sister-in-law to Connie Eller (Sam) of Powdermill. Her pride in her family shone brightly as a grandmother to Courtney Clark (Brandon) of Newland, Rodney Vance (Melissa) of Raleigh, Stephanie Munoz (Eric) of Roaring Creek and Faith Hughes of Wilmington. She was a great-grandmother to Ridge Clark, Ryan and Addison Vance, Meredith and Mallory Munoz. She lived to see her lineage grow, knowing her love would carry on through them all. As the youngest of a large and lively family Vonda also held a special place in the hearts of numerous nieces, nephews and cousins each one touched by her gentle spirit.
A graveside service to honor Vonda’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 1p.m. in the Yellow Mountain Cemetery with Rev. Dustin Dellinger officiating.
In lieu of flowers her family kindly suggests memorial donations be made in her name to Powdermill Baptist Church. Yancey Funeral Services is caring for her family during this time. Her enduring legacy of love, kindness and resilience will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her spirit; a shining light that will never fade.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
