Jo Ann Buchanan

Queen Jo Ann Buchanan

Jo Ann Buchanan, a radiant soul born on August 2, 1938, in Woodworth, Louisiana, to Mary and Kenneth Hardison. God called her home on March 26th. Her life was a testament to unwavering faith, love, and resilience. From a young age Jo Ann displayed a profound devotion to her family, faith and friends, following her mother's guidance to love God and care deeply for others. As a child, she embraced the role of caregiver to her siblings, demonstrating responsibility beyond her years. Jo Ann’s intellect and passion for learning were evident as she excelled in education as a youth. She showed great determination at the young age of 15, by winning a local competition in writing and literacy in the Alexandria Louisiana school system, while qualifying to compete in the state finals. She traveled alone by bus from Alexandria to Baton Rouge for the weekend to compete in the statewide competition (in the early 50s), and she won.

At 17, Jo Ann moved to Weed California to join her older sister KL Green, where she graduated from high school, and a few years later, making her way to Seattle Washington, to join her beloved aunt, Marie Carter. In 1957 she found a spiritual home at Mt Zion Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted member for 69 years, always putting God first and inspiring others to do the same. Jo Ann has three sons Anthony, Jim & Joseph, two grandsons, Anthony and Leland, host of great grandchildren, eight siblings, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jo Ann's professional journey was marked by her 56-year tenure at Boeing, where she stood as a pillar of strength and consistency, navigating her career with grace and resilience amidst challenges with racial and sexual discrimination. Her role as a records manager was a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Despite life's challenges and difficulties, (her son Tony, having the only illness of this type in the world) Jo Ann's strength, faith, persistency and love knew no bounds. She was a loving nurturing mother not only to her children but also to her siblings, grand kids, great grandkids, and many others who were blessed to be part of her life. Her top love languages are quality time, acts of service, giving gifts, and words of affirmation. God made no heart bigger than hers, she displayed unconditional love no matter what. Jo Ann's legacy is one of love, compassion, and unwavering faith. Her life is a beacon of light and hope, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew her. Jo Ann is proceeded in death by sons Anthony & Joseph Buchanan, parents Kenneth & Mary Hardison, siblings Kenneth Lee Green, Leroy Hardison, Francis Smith, Eugene Hardison, Aplis Faibvre and Gene Ward. Jo Ann is deeply Loved by her family and friends, who will carry her spirit in our hearts forever inspired by her extraordinary life.