Celebrating the life of Jo Ann Buchanan

JJo Ann Buchanan, a radiant soul born on August 2, 1938, in Woodworth, Louisiana, to Mary and Kenneth Hardison, God called her home on March 26th. Her life was a testament to unwavering faith, love, and resilience. From a young age, Jo Ann displayed a profound devotion to her family, faith, and friends, following her mother's guidance to love God and care deeply for others. As a child, she embraced the role of caregiver to her siblings, demonstrating responsibility beyond her years. Jo Ann’s intellect and passion for learning were evident as she excelled in education as a youth. She showed great determination at the young age of 15 by winning a local competition in writing and literacy in the Alexandria, Louisiana, school system, and she qualified to compete in the state finals. She traveled alone by bus from Alexandria to Baton Rouge for a weekend to compete in the statewide competition (in the early 50s), and she won. 

At 17, Jo Ann moved to Weed, California, to join her older sister, KL Green, where she graduated from high school, and a few years later, making her way to Seattle, Washington, to join her beloved aunt, Marie Carter.  In 1957, she found a spiritual home at Mt Zion Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted member for 69 years, always putting God first and inspiring others to do the same. Jo Ann had three sons, Anthony, Jim & Joseph, two grandsons, Anthony and Leland,  great-grandchildren, eight siblings, and many cousins and friends. Jo Ann's professional journey was marked by her 56-year tenure at Boeing, where she stood as a pillar of strength and consistency, navigating her career with grace and resilience amidst challenges with racial and sexual discrimination. Her role as a records manager was a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Despite life's challenges and difficulties (her son Tony, having the only illness of this type in the world), Jo Ann's strength, faith, persistence, and love knew no bounds. She was a loving, nurturing mother not only to her children but also to her siblings, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others who were blessed to be part of her life. Her top love languages are quality time, acts of service, giving gifts, and words of affirmation. God made no heart bigger than hers; she displayed unconditional love no matter what. Jo Ann's legacy is one of love, compassion, and unwavering faith. Her life is a beacon of light and hope, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew her. She is survived by her family and friends, who will carry her spirit in their hearts, forever inspired by her extraordinary life. 

Viewing is 4/24 from 11 AM to 5 PM at Evergreen Washelli, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133. 

Funeral service is 4/25

11 am at Mt Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122. 

I love you more than words can express. 

Can’t wait to see you again, my Queen