Betty Joyce Buchanan, age 92, of Marble Mine Road in the Bandana Community of Bakersville, NC, went peacefully home to be with her Lord on February 12, 2026, surrounded by family at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.
Betty was born on December 4, 1933, to the late Jeter and Maude Howell Buchanan in Bandana, living there until she was ten years old. The family then moved to East Marion where Betty attended East Marion Elementary School and Marion High School. Betty enjoyed playing basketball for the school team and participating in various activities at the YMCA. Her fondest, most cherished and important memory is when she accepted Jesus as her Savior at East Marion Baptist Church during bible school when she was 13 years old.
In 1949, Betty married Ray Buchanan, the love of her life. The first years of their marriage were spent living between Marion and Bandana until they built their home and officially settled in the Bandana Community in 1961. Betty worked at Clinchfield Mill in Marion, and then at Baxter Healthcare, where she eventually retired. She was a member of Silver Chapel Baptist Church for decades where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Bible School. Betty’s passion was singing praises to Jesus in the church choir, with Silver Chapel Trio, and with her husband and grandchildren. She spent many years traveling to sing in revivals, camp meetings, and church services, which was the greatest joy of her life. Betty was a true Ambassador for Christ, making it her life’s goal to share the gospel and represent God’s grace, love, and forgiveness to everyone. This included a dedicated and extensive daily prayer life.
Throughout her retirement years, Betty enjoyed spending time with her family, which included golfing with her husband, son, and grandchildren, traveling and vacations to the beach, shopping, eating out at restaurants, and playing games with her grandchildren, to name a few. Betty had a wonderful sense of humor and was a true joy to be around. She was trustworthy, a great listener, and offered sound advice to those who confided in her. She prioritized time for her children and grandchildren who are all left with wonderful, fun-filled memories.
Survivors include: daughter Jane McKinney and son Jack Buchanan (Glenda) of Bakersville, NC; brother Bill Buchanan of Marion, NC; five grandchildren: Cindy McKinney Ballew (Mike), Kelly McKinney Barnett (Merle), Candice Buchanan Hyatt (Marc), Julie Buchanan Thacker (Jonathon), Ashley Buchanan Glenn (Kevin), and Thomas Buchanan (Courtney); seventeen great grandchildren: John-Michael Stafford (Eden), McKenzie Stafford Buchanan (Jordan), Colby Stafford, William Barnett (Hannah), Tripp Hyatt, Bella Hyatt, Charlie Hyatt, Olivia Thacker, Bethany Thacker, Ella Thacker, Leia Thacker, Lilly Glenn, Laney Glenn, Landon Glenn, Deacon Buchanan, Navy Buchanan, and Christian Buchanan; 2 great-great grandchildren: Harper Stafford, Ivy Buchanan, and baby Barnett (on the way).
Betty was preceded in death, in addition to her parents, by her husband of 71 years, Ray Buchanan; sisters: Nina Jones, Gladys Hall, and Marilyn Owensby; brother Jim Buchanan; son in-law Michael McKinney; and great grandchild Angel Stafford.
Special thanks to Hospice & Home Care of the Blue Ridge for their care provided to Betty and her family.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2:30PM in Silver Chapel Baptist Church with Reverends Jonathan Thacker and Russell McKinney officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Graveside services will be held Monday, February 16, 2026 at 1:00PM at Silver Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.
Donations to Hospice & Home Care of the Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Drive Spruce Pine, NC 28777 or The Gideons International PO Box 611 Spruce Pine, NC 28777 are much appreciated.
Henline – Hughes Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Buchanan family.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.henline-hughes.com