- Date Of Birth: May 25, 1926
- Date Of Death: February 6, 2013
- State: Illinois
Dorothy E. Buchanan, 86, of Jacksonville, IL died Wednesday, February 06, 2013, at Heritage Health in Jacksonville.
She was born May 25, 1926 in Jacksonville, the daughter of George E. Jr. and Freda R. Lister Houston. She married Bill W. Buchanan on July 4, 1948 at Centenary United Methodist Church in Jacksonville and he survives.
She is also survived by a daughter, Joy E. Buchanan of Midland, MI; two sons, John M. Buchanan (wife, Mary Ardis) of Jacksonville and Robert L. Buchanan (wife, Lynda) of Glen Carbon; five grandchildren, Joel Buchanan (wife, Kristen) of Jacksonville, Megan Johnson (husband, Daryl) of Morton, and Caitlin, Lizbeth and Emily Buchanan, all of Glen Carbon; a great grandson, Kole Buchanan of Jacksonville; a sister, Donna Hurst of Duluth, MN; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Richard E. Buchanan (surviving wife, Dr. Lisa Zacharewicz of Foster City, CA); and a brother, William G. Houston (surviving wife, Carolyn of El Paso, TX).
Mrs. Buchanan attended school in Little Rock, AR and later graduated from Kirkwood, MO High School and MacMurray College in Jacksonville. She substitute taught for Jacksonville School District #117 and served as a part-time instructor in physical education at Illinois College for several years.
Dorothy was a devoted mother, homemaker, and passionate community volunteer. She worked with the Girl Scouting program in the area and later served as a Cub Scout leader and instructor for many years. In recognition of her volunteer work with Cub Scouting, she was awarded the Silver Fawn Award by the Abraham Lincoln Council.
When her son, Richard, was diagnosed with type I diabetes Dorothy devoted a significant portion of her life to educating herself, caring for her son, and advocating for breakthroughs in the research and treatment of diabetes. She provided leadership to the American Diabetes Association locally, regionally, and nationally. For her efforts, she was recognized in 1978 as the outstanding volunteer in the Downstate Illinois Affiliate of the American Diabetes Association.
Dorothy later became a devoted member and past president of the Jacksonville Pilot Club where she was instrumental in the club’s growth and in the creation of new events. She was also a long time member of Centenary United Methodist Church, a member and past matron of the Order of Eastern Star, Passavant Hospital Auxiliary, and the Art Association of Jacksonville. More recently, she enjoyed assisting with MacMurray College Alumni Association activities.
She enjoyed playing bridge, Explorers Bible Study, travel experiences, and spending winters in Arizona. She had a special talent for entertaining friends, neighbors and family during holiday celebrations and special events. And, in support of her husband, she was a familiar face and frequent helping hand at Gillham-Buchanan Funeral Home for many years.
