Leola Mae Barrier Buchanan



Mrs. Leola Mae Buchanan, 75, of Jonas Ridge, N.C. went to be with her Lord, Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, while at her residence.

Born Feb. 12, 1933, in Burke County, she was a daughter of the late Donald Edward Barrier and Berkie Reid Barrier.

In addition to her parents Mrs. Buchanan was also preceded in death by her husband, James Lee Buchanan and two brothers, Reid and Jerry Barrier.

Mrs. Buchanan was the former owner and operator of the Buchanan Rest Home. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She still churned her own butter, adding a special touch to every meal. Quilting was another talent that she enjoyed that she shared with her family.

She is survived by a son, Doug Buchanan and wife, Elaine, of Morganton; three daughters, Ann Boone, of Morganton, Lorrie Buchanan and life partner, Diane Deal, and Jerri Buchanan all of Lenoir; three brothers, Boyd Barrier and wife, Jean, of Morganton, James "Jay" Barrier and wife, Becky, of Summerville, S.C., and Edward Barrier and wife, Myrlie, of Rutherfordton; a sister, Jeanette Pope and husband, Jack, of Morganton; eight grandchildren, Dustin Buchanan, Chad Buchanan, Joey Berry, Tiffany Ross, Amber Ross, Shey Rathburn, Spencer Reece and Buffy Butler; two great grandchildren, Isabella and Niko Rathburn; and two sisters-in-law, Alvareeta Barrier, of Jonas Ridge, and Wilma Jones, of Granite Falls. She was also excitedly awaiting the arrival of another great grandchild.

Funeral services for Mrs. Buchanan will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Jonas Ridge Baptist Church.

Interment will follow at the Gingercake Cemetery, Jonas Ridge.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Kirksey Funeral Home, Morganton.

Flowers are accepted; those desiring to make memorials in Mrs. Buchanan's memory may do so to the family, c/o Lorrie Buchanan, 861 Norwood Street, SW, Lenoir, NC 28645.