Mary Buchanan

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Mary Elizabeth Buchanan, 91, of Sikeston passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, just in time to spend Christmas in heaven.

She was born Oct. 24, 1922, in Sikeston, to Ellis P. and Martha Thomas Waldman. She and Amos Bryan Buchanan Jr. were married April 8, 1948.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers and a sister.

She is survived by three children, Michael (Nancy) Buchanan, Martha (David) Buchanan and Dr. Bradley (Lucy) Buchanan; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Mary graduated from Sikeston High School in 1940. Among her high school activities, she was on the girls senior basketball team, where she was described as "small but mighty." That description would prove true later in terms of the strength of her character and perseverance in the face of adversity. With a 5-year-old and 2-year-old at home, in 1954 her husband was killed while on Naval Reserve duty less than two months before the birth of their third child. Mary stood the test of those trying times and selflessly devoted herself to the care and well-being of her children.

She had a long and distinguished career as an elementary and kindergarten teacher. Her teaching career began in a one-room school in Salcedo before college degrees were required to teach. Her career was interrupted during her children's younger years but she later helped establish and taught a kindergarten program at Murray Lane Baptist Church before the public schools offered kindergarten classes.

She eventually returned to public school teaching and returned to college as an adult to earn both bachelor and master degrees. Mary was honored in 1986 by being chosen as Sikeston Chamber's Teacher of the Year.

Mary has been a member of First Baptist Church of Sikeston since 1956. She utilized her teaching talents to serve God by teaching Sunday school there for many years. She served her community at large as volunteer at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

On retirement from teaching Mary enjoyed traveling with her friends and her sister, Betty. She enjoyed nearby places such as Branson but also toured New England, the Great Northwest, Alaska, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and Europe.

Mary's life was one of service to children, her own and her students. She overcame the obstacles that were placed in her path and led a full, rewarding life. She will be missed by family and friends but those who know her well are confident heaven just got a little better.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until time of service at 2 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home. The Rev. Kelly Grubbs, pastor of Murray Lane Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment will follow at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery.

At Mary's request, memorial donations may be made to Sikeston First Baptist Church Building Fund.

Online condolences may be sent at ponderfuneralhome.com.