Freddie Nelson Buchanan

Freddie Nelson Buchanan passed from this life on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at the age of 88 at Landon Ridge Alamo Ranch in San Antonio, Texas. She was born to Ethel and W.H. Nelson on January 19, 1934 in Idalou, Texas.

Freddie was preceded in death by her father W.H. Nelson, mother Ethel Blair Nelson, former husband and friend, Garner “Frank” Buchanan, daughter Lesli Buchanan, brother T.E. “E.T.” Nelson, sister-in-law Wanda Nelson and nephew Eddie Nelson.

Though technically a survivor, her son Terry Buchanan, passed away just 10 days after Freddie on August 17, 2022. Her greatest wish was for him to battle through his own bout of cancer he was fighting, so she could leave this earth before she lost another child. She got that wish, though they weren’t ultimately parted for long.

Born in the dust bowl era, Freddie was a woman with grit; a good mother, strict in her ways but always wanting the best for anyone she met. As a teenager and big sister to Peggy, she would help their mother keep a spotless home. Peggy fondly remembers Freddie pulling her around on a quilt to buff the floors and having a great time.

After graduation from Commerce High School in 1951, Freddie married Frank Buchanan on March 21, 1953. While living in Lubbock after her three children were born, she attended Texas Tech where she obtained her degree to teach Special Education.

Upon moving to Odessa, Texas in the late 60’s, she taught for a few years at Austin Elementary School, before returning to Texas Tech and obtaining her Masters degree in Counseling, traveling with a group of people to Lubbock on a weekly basis, as well as completing one summer at Sul Ros State in Alpine, Texas. She completed her career in education as a counselor at Odessa High School, where countless youth were able to benefit from her wisdom throughout the years. She was always remembered fondly by her students and colleagues.

Her grit enabled her to beat previous bouts of cancer over the last 25 years, but when the latest round came, she was at peace and was ready to join her Lord. Her grandchildren, Aaron, Joshua, and Crystal, are especially grateful for the shared wisdom, love, and praise that she bestowed on them. She was a proud Grandma.

In honoring her wishes, her body has been donated to U.T. Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas.

As previously mentioned, she was technically survived by her son Terry, if only for 10 days. She is also survived by Terry’s sons, Aaron and Joshua Buchanan as well as her son Kelly Buchanan and his daughter, Crystal Clevenger with husband Mark and great grandchildren Keaton and Abigail. Freddie is also survived by her sister Peggy with husband Barry Boyd, along with 6 nephews and 2 nieces.

A Memorial will be held for Freddie as well as her son Terry, on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11 am at

Porter Loring Mortuary West1710 W. Loop 1604 N.San Antonio, Texas 78251210-891-0000

Live streaming or recorded video will be available for those unable to attend in person. Please click here to view the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. If you would prefer to send flowers, please click here.