Christine Tunstall Buchanan

Christine Tunstall Buchanan, age 86 is the beloved Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Aunt, Sister and friend to many, passed away on Monday, October 1, 2012 at her care home. She ended her life journey surrounded by her family and wonderful caregivers. Born on December 19, 1925 in Apex, North Carolina, she was a devoted mother, daughter of tobacco farmer, Elmer Lee Tunstall Sr. and school teacher, Claire Estelle Tingen Tunstall, was the younger sister to Elmer Lee Tunstall Jr. formally from Hamlet, NC. Raised in North Carolina, Christine earned her Degree in Pharmacy from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in 1949, and was a Registered Pharmacist in NC as well as Idaho, for over 30 years. She is quoted from her Alumnus, 50th Annual as saying: “My days and fun times were wonderful.” When asked what person or persons had a lasting and positive effect on her life, she responded: “Dr. CC Jones, Dean Jacobs, F. Campbell, Robert Clark and Addie Pegram, to name a few, set high values toward standards in the field.” Christine’s career took her to Cherry Point, NC where she met, 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, Arlen Bruce Buchanan, from Yakima, WA. They married in 1959 and moved to Boise, Idaho, where their daughter Cheri Jo Buchanan was born. After 10 years of marriage they divorced. Christine and Cheri returned to NC in 1969 to help care for her widowed father. Christine continued to live on her parent’s farm and resumed her work while raising Cheri. Eventually the two moved to Cary, NC then to Fayetteville, NC when Christine retired. In 1981 her daughter moved to Arizona and married Greg Hedger, from Indiana. Christine became a grandmother to grandson, Christopher Adam Hedger in 1985 and to granddaughter, Sydney Loren Hedger in 1990. In 1998 Christine moved to Chandler, AZ to be with her daughter and family where she lived for 14 years. During the last 4 years, Christine resided and was cared for in residential care homes as well as by Hospice of the Valley. The care she received was exceptional and the family would like to extend special, heartfelt thanks to: Norma, Tess, Julius, Judy and Linda. Additionally the care and friendships Christine made with Hospice of the Valley team, namely: Connie, Carol, Natalie, Esmeralda, Chaplain Bob, David and others who were with her during her last years gave her joy, happiness, companionship and prayer. Christine’s life journey included the love of the Lord, love for life, travel, her family and friends. She loved North Carolina dearly and yearned to return. Her daughter and family enjoyed the years they had with her. Memories of her crystal blue eyes that would twinkle when she smiled, her gentle hugs and her beautiful southern accent will always be cherished and never forgotten. She was truly a southern bell with the heart of gold and love that was never ending. She will be missed terribly. Christine is survived by her daughter Cheri, son-in law Greg, grandson Christopher Adam and granddaughter Sydney Loren. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery at 3:00pm in Scottsdale, AZ.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W Williams St Apex NC. Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 pm Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Apex Funeral Home.