Vahness Moore Buchanan

Vahness Moore Buchanan began her earthly journey on November 5, 1943, in Holly Springs, Mississippi. She was the fourth of four children born to the late Bishop John Henry Moore and Ida Elizabeth Tate-Moore, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lloyd E. Buchanan; her three siblings, John Wesley Moore, Robert Lewis Moore, and Ida Elizabeth Moore-Davis; and her dear brother-in-law, Ralph Hiram Davis, Sr.

Vahness was born into a God-fearing family and became a faithful servant of the Lord at an early age, a commitment she maintained throughout her life.

Vahness graduated from Jack Yates High School in Houston, Texas, and attended Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. While at Tennessee State, she formed lifelong bonds that would sustain her throughout her years, and it was there that she met her future husband, Lloyd E. Buchanan. Their meeting would prove to be a divine appointment that would shape the rest of her earthly journey. She later pursued advanced studies and earned her Master's degree in Mathematics from St. Louis University.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to Lloyd E. Buchanan, whom she loved dearly and devotedly. They shared fifty-one beautiful years of marriage, raising their family and serving the Lord together, until his passing in 2017. To this union, two children were born, Kevin Lloyd and Curtis Hamilton. Vahness began her teaching career at Beaumont High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where she taught Mathematics. She was truly dedicated to her profession as an educator, touching countless young lives through her patience, wisdom, and genuine care for her students.

When Lloyd accepted a position with Burroughs Corporation, the family relocated to Rochester, New York, where Vahness continued teaching until her retirement. After relocating to the Atlanta, Georgia area, she devoted her time to volunteering, servant leadership, and regularly helping those in need. Even though she left the teaching profession, she never stopped being a teacher at heart. She continued to mentor many individuals throughout her life, sharing her knowledge, faith, and love generously.

Throughout her life, Vahness wanted others to know the joy of church membership and service to God, and she delighted in bringing others to her place of worship. It was deeply important to her that her family reverenced, obeyed, and loved the Lord, and she lived this example daily. She participated in many ministries, including serving as both a Sunday school teacher and participant, Bible study teacher and participant, devoted parishioner, lay leader, staff parish relations committee (SPRC), and a member of her cherished senior's ministry. She carried out her responsibilities eagerly, seriously, and diligently, always pointing others to Christ through her life and witness.

A few years ago, a close pastoral friend asked her to fellowship with Elmo Green of St. Louis, Missouri, a man of God and deacon who was grieving the loss of his wife. Through this ministry of compassion, they formed a special bond of companionship and friendship that brought her joy and comfort, which she cherished until the end.

Vahness expressed her faith in many ways, including through her gift of poetry. Her creative talents allowed her to express the depth of her faith and the beauty she saw in God's creation. Her poetry reflected her heart, her relationship with the Lord, and her love for others. Her words will continue to inspire and comfort those who knew her.

She had numerous interests, including jigsaw puzzles, logic problems, and playing board and card games with her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching classic television shows like Columbo and The Twilight Zone, as well as cooking shows. She possessed a keen sense of humor and quick wit, and she delighted in playfully prodding those lucky enough to be close to her. She took great pleasure in fostering new relationships and attending her grandchildren's events and activities. The relationships with her Lord, her family, and her friends made her life rich and full.

Her precious memory will be cherished by her two children, Kevin Lloyd Buchanan of Webster, Massachusetts, and Curtis Hamilton Buchanan of Roswell, Georgia; three grandchildren, Eric Richard Lloyd Buchanan, Juliana Rae Buchanan, and Justin Mekhi Buchanan; two nephews, Ralph Hiram Davis II and Jonathan Warren Davis, both of St. Louis, Missouri; two nephews, Warren Moore of Washington, D.C., and Johnathan Moore of California; two sisters-in-law, Catherine Moore (widow of Robert Lewis Moore) of Washington, D.C., and Sandra Fay Merry-Woods and her husband, Rev. James Woods, of Oakland, Tennessee; and a host of cousins, second-cousins, other relatives, and friends whose lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith.