Sara Jane Buchanan, 88, of Indianola, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford.
Sara Jane Borkey Buchanan was born April 19, 1936 in Caroline County, Virginia, to Grace Taylor Borkey and Edgar Clyde Borkey. After graduating from Caroline High School, she obtained her bachelor’s degree from Averett College for Women. She then attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she majored in education and music. It was there that she met Joseph Marion Buchanan, her future husband. They married July 21, 1957. After welcoming sons, Edgar Marion Buchanan and Joseph “Joey” Michael Buchanan, they eventually settled in Indianola and built a home on Morningside Drive.
Sara Jane later received her master’s in education from Delta State University. She was a beloved elementary school teacher for over 50 years in the Jackson and Indianola Public school system and then at Indianola Academy. She was a proud member of the DAR, the 20th Century Club, and a patron of the Southern Debutant Assembly. She was a devoted member to First Presbyterian Church of Indianola, where she enjoyed teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. She was also past president of the Mississippi Private School Association.
Sara Jane had “perfect pitch” and would sing or play almost any musical instrument by ear. She spent many holidays entertaining her family by playing her prized accordion.
Sara Jane loved all creatures great and small, but was especially fond of Nibbles, the beloved pet rabbit, and her Christmas mice collectibles, which were gifts from former students over the years. She was an avid animal lover, a trait she passed down to her children and grandchildren.
Her most cherished memories were spending vacation times with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Affectionately known as SaSa, Sara Jane got to spend the last four years of her life in Oxford where most of her immediate family lived. She made many friends at Elison Assisted Living and then The Magnolia.
Sara Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar Clyde Borkey and Grace Taylor Borkey; and her husband, Joseph “Joe” Marion Buchanan. She is survived by her sons, Edgar Marion Buchanan (Tracy “T2”) of Brandon and Joseph “Joey” Michael Buchanan (Tracy “T1”) of Oxford; granddaughter, Sarah Rose Lomenick (Robert) of Oxford; grandsons, Edgar Paris Buchanan of Auburn, Ala., Hampton Hayes Buchanan of Oxford, Joseph “Joe” Thomas Buchanan of Oxford, and William “Will” Guy Booth of Nashville, Tenn.; her sister, Pat (Elizabeth Parke) Davis of Greensboro, N.C.; and great-grandchildren, Robert “Hudson” Lomenick and Mary Leonard Lomenick of Oxford. She is also survived by Irma Paris Buchanan and numerous beloved extended family members and close friends.
Visitation was held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at First Presbyterian Church in Indianola. The funeral service began at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial followed at Indianola City Cemetery. Burton Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in her memory be made to First Presbyterian Church of Indianola or the educational charity of your choice.
