- Date Of Birth: April 22, 1948
- Date Of Death: February 15, 2022
- State: North Carolina
Ruth LaVerne Albright Buchanan, Ed. D. of Springfield Va. departed from this life on February 15, 2022 unexpectedly at Inova Fairfax Hospital. She was born April 22, 1948 in Graham, North Carolina.
LaVerne was a faithful and active member of the Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA.
Sparkle, as she was known to family, was preceded in death by her loving parents, Vernon Royal Augustus Albright and Mary Ruth Thompson Albright and her devoted grandparents, Annie Jane Thompson and Hiawatha Thompson Sr. Surviving to cherish and rejoice in the memories of her life well lived include her husband of 47 years, William Buchanan; one son, Christopher Albright Buchanan (Shirley); grandchildren: Keely, Kai, and Keegan Buchanan of Springfield, VA; step-grandchildren: Meaghan Woolsey of Richmond, VA, and Jonathan Woolsey of US Army, Hawaii; a devoted cousins, Jean Weaver of Woodbridge, VA, Patricia Ann Thompson and Larry Lee Thompson, Ph.D. both of Graham, NC; aunts: Hazel Thompson of Graham, NC; Laura Thompson of Mebane, NC, and Sara T. Davis of Camden, NJ; one uncle, John W. Thompson, Ph. D.(Yvonne) of Greensboro, NC; many relatives and a host of friends.
Dr. Buchanan received her early childhood education in the Alamance County School System and graduated from Central High School in Graham, North Carolina in 1966. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education in 1970 from Hampton University, a M. HE from the University of Georgia in Child Development and Mental Retardation in 1975, and a Ed. D. degree in 1998 from the George Washington University in Special Education -Transition.
Dr. Buchanan’s professional work experiences included providing consultation, training, and technical assistance to states and local school systems, adult service providers and employers, as well as working with the George Washington University Department of Teacher Preparation and Special Education, the North Carolina State Department of Public Education, Division for Exceptional Children, the University of Georgia, and Boggs Academy. She not only offered her expertise 0n state and local levels but internationally as well. She served as an Adjunct Instructor at the following universities: Kansas, Maryland, George Washington, Trinity College, Montgomery College, and Bowie State.
LaVerne held membership in many professional organizations including The Council for Exceptional Children where she served on the Board of Directors 2010-2011, The Chair of Elections Committee 2005-2009 and as a Mentor since 2010 until the present. She also served on The State Advisory Panel of Special Education for the District of Columbia that was appointed by Mayor Williams in 2001-2002.
LaVerne was a very active member in the Lambda Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.. She was well known for her contributions on the local, regional, and national levels, where she held several offices.
She leaves an indelible mark on the lives of people she touched as a student, educator, consultant, organizational leader, church member, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of a large community of family members, friends and colleagues who will deeply miss her unforgettable presence and contributions.
