Cynthia Frances Buchanan

Cynthia (Woods) Buchanan, or Nina to those closest to her, passed away peacefully in her home (her favorite place on earth) on August 30, 2026, at the age of 84. She was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who loved the Lord, her family, and her country.

Cynthia was born on November 27, 1941, in Liberty, Texas. Her parents were Crawford and Lucille Woods. She was the second of four children and was dearly loved by her siblings Jimmy, Susan, and Nancy. At age 20, she married Jack Buchanan whom she had known since grade school, and they were married almost 50 years. She was the proud and loving mother of two children, Greg and Janie. Cynthia’s four grandchildren and their spouses and her five great-grandchildren were some of her greatest joys.

Shortly after Cynthia was born her family moved to the piney woods of Kirbyville, Texas. Growing up, some of her most precious memories were spending time with her beloved cousins and grandparents and being involved in her church. While attending Kirbyville High School, Cynthia played clarinet in the band, sang in musical groups, and was a majorette. After high school she attended Lamar University and earned a degree in Elementary Education. After teaching elementary school for seven years, Cynthia got her dream job—being a stay-at-home mother. She loved raising her children and supporting her husband.

Cynthia’s hobbies included art, piano, classical music, and literature, traveling, designing homes, sewing, working in the church nursery, and weekly Bible studies (by phone) with her cousin Sarah Charlotte. And once her four grandchildren were born, they became “Nina’s” focus. She poured her time and love into caring for her grandchildren while their parents worked. She attended their school functions, choir concerts, sporting events, awards ceremonies, and graduations. Nina cooked their favorite meals, and she was a wonderful and patient teacher, always willing to help with homework and school projects. She said there was no greater honor in her life than investing in the lives of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Cynthia’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to her faithful caregivers (Karla, Jennifer, and Keyanna) and the wonderful team at Suncrest Hospice who cared for her in her last months.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Crawford and Lucille, and her husband Jack.

She is survived by her brother Jimmy Woods, sister Susan Hemphill, sister Nancy Woods, children Greg Buchanan and Janie Peak, as well as her grandchildren (Lauren (Jonathan) Blair, Lindsey (Cody) Proctor, Anna (Andrew) Shirley, and Douglas Peak) and great-grandchildren (Lily Jane, Landon James, Palmer Joy, Luke David, Sophia Kate, and Baby Shirley--coming in 2027).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Wounded Warrior Project.