Mary Rachel Buchanan

Rich Valley, VA

Mary Rachel Buchanan, 71, of Rich Valley, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2024, at her home. She was born on March 20, 1953, in Smyth County, she was the beloved daughter of the late Raymond Buchanan Jr. and Mary Janavee Carter Buchanan. She grew up and enjoyed working on the family farm with her dad. She was a graduate of Rich Valley High school in 1971 and was crowned Miss Rich Valley in 1969. She was employed for many years at the United Salt Corporation working in the lab until her retirement. She had a larger-than-life personality, a heart of gold, and was truly one of a kind. She loved to make people laugh and had a gift for lighting up any room she entered. Generous to a fault, she was always willing to lend a hand and would give her last dime to anyone in need. She never met a stranger and always had a welcoming smile. A lifelong resident of Rich Valley, she valued the simple joys of living in the country. She loved to cook and always looked forward to delivering her candy at Christmas to her family and friends. Above all, she had tremendous love for all of her family. She loved to attend and support all of their athletic events and be with them any chance she could.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by several aunts and uncles.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Tisha (Eddie) Briggs, and Stacy Taylor (Matt); brother, Tom Buchanan and wife Sandy; her three grandchildren, Kayla (Will) Cardwell, Dyson Briggs (Kelsey), Olivia Briggs (Lucas);and great-grandson, Kyler Cardwell; nephew, Bo Buchanan; aunt, Janice (Glen) Perkins; special friend and caretaker, Carla Frye; and her beloved dog, Precious and a special friend, Joy Husinko.

Funeral services for Mary Rachel will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Henderson Funeral Home with Pastor Stan Dunham officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 12 until 2 p.m. prior to the service. The burial will follow at Rich Valley Presbyterian Cemetery. Scott DeBord, Lenny Robbins, Rick Buchanan, Jeff Buchanan, Ira Buchanan, and Tim Buchanan will be serving as pallbearers.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Rachel Buchanan.