Barbara Nell Strickland Buchanan

Barbara was born and raised on a farm near the town of Middlesex in Nash County. She was the second of six children and oldest daughter of Nade E. Strickland and Maude Faison Strickland. In the mid-1930’s, Barbara’s local high school had only 11 grades, so at age 15 she was sent to Rocky Mount to live with relatives so that she could complete the 12th grade. While still in high school, Barbara decided she wanted to pursue a career as a secretary. After graduating from Rocky Mount High School in 1939, she attended High Point College for a year, studying business. She then returned to Nash County and began a secretarial career that continued without a break for the next 53 years until she was 70 years old.

In 1941, Barbara began a short-term assignment in Nashville, NC, where she met James Oliver “Buck” Buchanan. Buck was waiting to be called to active duty, having already enlisted in the U.S. Army. He would be leaving, but the two began a courtship that continued long-distance for the duration of WWII. Married in September 1945, Barbara and Buck enjoyed a 64-year marriage that ended with his death in 2010.

In 1950, Barbara and Buck moved to Raleigh, eventually settling on Wells Avenue, where they spent many happy years, forming lifelong friendships and raising their daughter, Martha. Barbara went to work for the Department of Public Instruction, where her responsibilities included providing support to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization in NC, under the direction of the late Charles L. Keels. It was through this work that she met future governor, Jim Hunt, when he served as FFA national president. When Hunt ran for Lt. Governor in 1972, Barbara volunteered her secretarial skills to his campaign, and following his election stayed on as his personal secretary.

During the next twenty years Barbara worked closely with Governor Hunt as his Executive Assistant. These were the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding years of her professional life, as under Hunt’s leadership North Carolina grew from a regional and largely agricultural state to a major economic power with significant national and international reach in the manufacturing, technology, and education sectors. Barbara’s unassuming and practical style were a perfect complement to the energetic and charismatic Hunt. She was happiest serving quietly in the administrative background, where she was afforded the opportunity to do what she did best. Her ability to remain cool under pressure and listen tirelessly with genuine concern to the many who sought assistance from the Governor’s office were appreciated and a reason why she was known across the state.

Barbara volunteered on behalf of several charities, and was a devoted member of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church for over 60 years. She taught Sunday school, served on various committees, and enjoyed especially the bonds she formed with her fellow Pullen Mission Women’s circle members.

Barbara suffered from dementia in her last years, which robbed her of her memory, but she always had a genuine smile for everyone, and never lost her sensitivity to the needs of others. She was frequently seen assisting fellow residents in the Stewart Health Center at Springmoor.

She is survived by her daughter and only child, Martha Buchanan-Forte, her son-in-law, Paul E. Forte, and grandson, Jamie (James) E. Forte, of Boxford, MA; her brother, Carl T. Strickland, and his wife Sue of Raleigh; her brother-in-law, Charles E. Buchanan of Melbourne, FL; her sister-in-law, Juanita W Buchanan of Quitman, MS; and 19 nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother, N.E. Strickland of Middlesex; and her sisters, Ernestine Robinson of Nashville, Ruth Thomas of Middlesex, and Juanita Bruffey of Fayetteville, as well as her sister-in-law, Lorene Blackwell of Shady Grove, MS, and brothers-in-law, George Buchanan of Aurora, CO, and Jack Buchanan of Quitman, MS.

A memorial service will be held at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough Street, in Raleigh at a later date to be determined. Contributions in Barbara’s memory can be made to Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, The Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of one’s choice.

The family wishes to express its appreciation to friends for all the support given to Barbara through calls, cards, visits, and good wishes; to Everybody Needs a Nurse for outstanding private nurse care management, and to the staff of the Stewart Health Center, Springmoor, for the excellent care given to Barbara over the last six years.

Condolences can be sent to the family through www.brown-wynneraleigh.com.