Mary Buchanan

Mary Turner Buchanan of Atlanta joined her Heavenly Father on January 18, 2021 following complications of Covid-19.

Beloved by a large family and many friends, she is survived by four children, Leslie (& Wayne) New, Mary (& Tom) Gooding, Lynn Gunter, William (& Leslie) Buchanan; five grandchildren, Thompson (& Courtney) Gooding, Stephanie (& David) Judy, Lindsey (& Jason) Kuykendall, Darby Gooding, and Jeremy (& Mandi) Gunter; and nine great-grandchildren, one nephew and four nieces. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Leslie C. Buchanan; her parents, Francis M. and Bonnie W. Turner, and her beloved sister Newell Parr.

Mary was a Savannah, Georgia girl who graduated from Agnes Scott College in 1945 with a B.A. in Psychology. She remained an active Alumna her entire life. She shared 66 years of marriage with the love of her life, Dr. Leslie C. Buchanan, who became a prominent general surgeon in Decatur. She was a garden and book club member, an avid bridge player, and an elegant lady.

She was a Christian, a member of North Decatur Methodist and Westminster Presbyterian Churches, and her faith was an integral part of her life. She exhibited empathy and patience. She believed in service and in giving back and taught her children and grandchildren the importance of generosity. Mary was a dedicated donor to many humanitarian causes including The Carter Center, the Model UN program at Agnes Scott College as well as the college itself, and many other charities.

Before starting her family, she worked for the Red Cross and as a social worker at Grady Hospital and in Philadelphia. As a mother, she was devoted to her children, loving them equally and unconditionally. She was selfless and wise. She was courageous, forgiving and kind.

Mary loved history and was a student of it for life, appreciating its lessons and sharing her insights to better the world. She supported the Georgia Historical Society and donated period items for the Flannery O’Connor house, as they were childhood friends. She was the family genealogist and archivist (pre-internet), and a member of the DAR. In the 2000’s she was an early advocate of the reclamation of Ellis Square, one of Savannah’s original historic squares, restoring scenic views and making it once again a public park.

She was the family’s North Star, moral compass and champion. She led by her example. With humility, compassion and grace, her life still inspires those who knew her to lead a better life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to The Carter Center, Agnes Scott College, or Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1438 Sheridan Road. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324.
Due to the pandemic, a Celebration of Life service is planned for later this summer.