Willadean Peppers AuBuchon passed away October 16, 2018, in Orlando, Florida while enjoying a trip with friends. Willadean was the widow of the late Jerry (G.J.) AuBuchon to whom she was happily married for 62 years. Born in Bonne Terre, MO, Willadean was the only daughter of Luther and Goldie Peppers. Willadean passed away three years to the day after her beloved Jerry. In addition to her husband and parents, Willadean was preceded in death by her son Thad AuBuchon, her infant daughter Valerie Ann AuBuchon, and her brother Paul Peppers.
Willadean’s memory will be cherished by: her daughter Tanya AuBuchon Hall (Brad) of Southaven, MS; her son Tracy AuBuchon (Linda) of West Memphis, AR; three grandchildren: Stuart Lane Swift (Angela) of San Diego, CA; Hailey Swift Beights (Will) of Shannon Hills, AR; and Carol Ann AuBuchon of Memphis, TN; three great-granddaughters: Leila Michelle Swift, Brooklyn Jane Beights, and Whitley Alise Beights. She will also be remembered by many extended family members and dear friends.
Willadean was a devoted wife and mother who created a warm and gracious home. Family and friends were always welcomed at the AuBuchon home where Willadean ensured that good food and hospitality were extended to children and adults alike. She took special care of her darling Jerry by paying attention to many little details that expressed her devotion to him. Until his death in hospice at their home on October 16, 2015, Willadean was his strength, comfort, and anchor.
Willadean loved and supported her children throughout their lives in good times and challenging times. When she became a grandmother, “Nana” found a new role through which she expressed her love to three special people: Stuart, Hailey, and Carol. In the late years of her life, that role expanded and blossomed even more as she became a great-grandmother to three special little girls: Leila, Brooklyn, and Whitley. Nothing gave her more pleasure than sewing for them, a special quilt for Leila and aprons for Whitley and Brooklyn, or making cookies with their help. Willadean provided her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that gift children need most: knowing that they are special and unconditionally loved by at least one person in the world.
Willadean always loved to travel; she and Jerry traveled extensively throughout the United States and even to Canada, Mexico, and Europe. The family especially treasured all their time in Destin which they shared with many family members and friends. Never one to slow down or give up, Willadean made several trips in the last two years to “Leialand” (SanDiego) to visit her grandson and great-granddaughter. While saddened by her passing, Willadean’s family is grateful that it came while she was enjoying traveling on her trip through life.
Willadean’s Christian faith was important to her. She did not like to call attention to herself; she exercised her faith through her quiet and humble care for others with a generous and kind heart.
Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 23, at Desoto Hills Baptist Church in Southaven, MS with a funeral service following at 11:00 a.m.
To honor Willadean and her love of the orchestra, the family requests that memorials be given to the Memphis Symphony Orchestra at www.memphissymphony.org in her name.
