Mrs. Ruby Mae Buchanan

Ruby Mae Williams Buchanan, age 95 of Tazewell, TN was born August 1, 1930 and peacefully passed away into the arms of her Jesus in her home June 19, 2026. She was saved at the tender age of 5 years old with her arms around Grandmother Nancy’s neck as they prayed together for her salvation. She loved to tell us all the story of her salvation. She told us of how her mom and dad left her at home with her grandmother while they attended the revival, concerned that she was too little to understand. Granny Nancy found her by the water upset that she couldn’t go get saved. Granny felt the tug from heaven that said this is real, picked her up and gave her a great big hug as they prayed for her salvation. She was hugging her grandmother looking at the water and “those pretty little rocks that God had made” when she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She was a member of Springdale Baptist Church, but attended Liberty Missionary Baptist Church with her family when she was able.

Ruby had a great love of nature and taught us all to recognize and appreciate the beauty of all God’s creations. She was a devoted mother who gave up the nicer things in life to stay at home and teach her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren the value of God’s protecting grace. We didn’t have a lot growing up, but we always had love and she always took the time to spend time with us every day. She will be dearly missed by all that were a part of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Ethel (Mom) Williams, her husband of 57 years Hubert Buchanan Sr.; daughter Evelyn Rowland, step daughter Helen & Edward Butcher, step son Hubert & Shirley Buchanan Jr.; brothers Carl, Olen, and Earl Williams; sisters Mary Williams and Velva Cinnamon; infant grandson Adam Venable; infant granddaughter Reanna Kay Rowland; grandchildren Lynn and Stanley Butcher.

She is survived by her children: Cleva Lawson, Debbie & Billy Venable, Faye Grubbs, Joyce & Ervin Buchanan, son in law Jim Rowland and Betsy Shultz who was like a daughter to her.

She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: BJ & Krissi Williams, Heather & Ray Damron, Nathan Grubbs, Daniel & Kimberly Venable, Joseph Buchanan, Tammy Pierson, Michael Butcher, Mark & Michelle and Matthew Buchanan, Monette Caldwell, Rita McAfee, Rhonda Bailey, and Ray Lynch.

17 great grandchildren: Kailyn and Kassie Williams; Ryland Damron; Gabriel and Garrett Venable; Taylor, Trey, Brooke and Leah Buchanan; Tabatha, Austin Meyers, Ryan and Shane Bailey; Shawna and Arielle Pierson, Cassie and Tabby Hatfield.

15 great great grandchildren: Aven, Reed, Tate, Laney, Josie, Izzy, Jaymes, Dylan, Kaydance, Aden, Sophia, Laken, Montgomery, Avery and Colton.

Special Sister-in-law and friend: Sharon Williams

There will be a private viewing for family only on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. Per Ruby’s request, the family will receive friends at a closed casket viewing from 2:00 pm. until 4:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm in the Coffey Funeral Home Chapel with the graveside service to follow at the Liberty Cemetery.

Ministers: Rev. Lonnie D Dalton and Rev. Tony Williams

Eulogy/ Obituary: Daniel Venable

Singers: Karen Hurst and Mildred Ramsey

Pallbearers: BJ Williams, Daniel Venable, Joseph Buchanan, Nathan Grubbs, Ray Lynch, and Ray Damron.

Honorary Pallbearers: Mark Buchanan, Matthew Buchanan, Michael Butcher, Jim Rowland, Billy Venable and Ervin Buchanan