JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Lillian Buchanan, 91, of Jefferson City died Friday, April 6, 2012, at Adams Street Place.

She was born Sept. 6, 1920, in Aldrich, Mo., a daughter of Ray and Inez Lemons Darby.

Lillian was a 1938 graduate of Buffalo, Mo., High School. During her four years at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Lillian was editorialist for the school's newspaper, active in her sorority, and was homecoming queen her senior year. She graduated in 1942 with a bachelor of science degree in education with a major in music.

Lillian and Erwin Buchanan were married July 24, 1943, in St. Louis. They were happily married 68 years until his passing March 1, 2012.

During their marriage she was actively involved in church and community choirs, Sunday school classes and fellowship groups at First Christian churches in Kansas City, Mo., Cape Girardeau and Jefferson City. Through her warm personality she made good friends wherever she lived, enjoying their company through social bridge parties and various group activities. She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed watching their sporting events.

In Cape Girardeau, Lillian taught music at Alma Schrader Elementary and spent many afternoons teaching children how to play the piano. She was very gifted musically, with a wonderful voice and the ability to play the piano by ear. Lillian was actively involved in the Cape Choraliers, performing with them at the World's Fair in Seattle in 1962. In Jefferson City she taught piano lessons, and along with Erwin volunteered to help young students at East Elementary School.

Survivors include a son, Rich Buchanan of Matthews, N.C.; and three grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Darby Anne Buchanan; three sisters, Louise, Susie and Doris Rae; and two brothers, Richard and Donald Darby.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to service time Thursday at First Christian Church, 327 E. Capitol Ave. in Jefferson City.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Donald E. Carter officiating. Interment will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City.

Houser-Millard Funeral Home in Jefferson City is in charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to First Christian Church.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com.