Gloria Jean Buchanan
August 9, 1948 - September 1, 2016
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Obituary
Gloria Jean was born to the parents of Samella Patrick and Eddie Patrick in Cougar, Mississippi on August 9, 1948. Gloria moved to Seattle with her parents as a baby and grew up in the Yesler Terrace before her parents planted their roots in the family home on 33rd and Alder. Gloria was a true local girl and attended Bailey Gatzert Elementary School, Washington Middle School and Garfield High School. After graduating Garfield High School she attended Petersen Business College where she attained trade school certification to further her career path.
She met her wonderful soul mate James Buchanan at a house party in 1966. James saw her across the room and instantly knew this lady was special! Gloria and James dated for 7 years before getting married October 19th, 1973. From that union came two beautiful daughters Promise and Premeria.
Gloria was beautiful both inside and out and was most comfortable at home on her porch. Gloria’s beauty transcended all aspects of her life and everyone that had the pleasure of truly knowing her benefited from her compassionate nature. In addition, Gloria was an avid gardener who loved nature and becoming one with God’s earth. Gloria truly valued every single minute of the day and she never missed an opportunity to express how thankful she was to be alive. Gloria made it clear to whoever was listening that she was a believer and sometimes would randomly blurt out “Thank you Jesus!” Gloria always put God and her family first. She loved the simple things in life and took nothing for granted. Gloria was known for depositing her tidbits of wisdom via her favorite sayings: “live your life”; “get the receipt”; “carry the torch”. Another favorite saying was “you’ve got to take time to stop and smell the roses”; roses, ironically are her favorite flower.
Gloria was a woman of great faith, believed and accepted Jesus into her life at an early age. As a young girl she was raised in the Evangelistic Center Church of God on the corner of MLK and Jackson with her family. Those great values which were instilled in her as a young girl carried through to the end of her life. Even though she didn’t attend church regularly, she preached and practiced the principles of Jesus to everyone she encountered.
Gloria was a true nurturer and it started with her being the eldest of six siblings which she was responsible for caring for. It then extended to her two natural both children and stretched beyond to the community children. Affectionately known to many as “Mrs. B” or “Glo”. True to her nickname, her loving spirit glowed throughout.
Gloria was known to spend a buck. Shopping was a past time and she had three of everything. Need a comforter, she got it. Need a vacuum, she got it. Need a pot and pan set, she got that too! Gloria’s generous spirit was so giving that she wanted to ensure she could help any and all in need and would meet them where they were in order to get the assistance necessary!
Glo never shied away from working, and maintained a plethora of positions with prominent companies across the region. She worked with a range of organization from Boeing, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the City of Seattle and Todd Shipyard. But without question, her most important role was being a stay at home wife and mother to her devoted husband and best friend James and their children. She had the privilege of retiring in 2006, as her husband could afford for her to turn her energies inward toward the family which was her most important responsibility.
Gloria loved her family immensely, and would do anything to support them. She found joy in seeing the family thrive, succeed, and grow. As a wife, she was a staunch supporter of her husband, and their partnership flourished because they shared common core values which were forged around family, honesty, integrity, and genuine love. They were true soulmates and friends; plus Gloria laughed at all James jokes, she was his #1 fan! As a mother, Gloria was generous, patient, loving, and always gave the best advice. She never raised her voice at her children, supported whatever endeavors her girls wanted to pursue, and always ensured her girls could come to her to talk about anything. She was their protector; top flight security, and no one messed with her babies! As a grandmother, she found great pride in watching the values in which she deposited in her daughter carried onto her grandson. She always told her daughters to “create a legacy and pass on the torch”. She did just that, by ensuring she was present at the birth of her first grandchild in Atlanta, GA; one of her proudest moments.
Mrs. Gloria J. Buchanan departed this earthly life and went to be with her heavenly father on September 1st at 8:24pm in the company of her loved ones. She is preceded in death by her parents Samella Patrick and Eddie Patrick, father-in-law Lee Buchanan, her sister Linda M. Banks, her sister Carol J. Brown, her niece Christine A. Jones and her nephew M.C. Evans. She is survived to celebrate her wonderful legacy by her husband James E. Buchanan, mother-in-law Mattie Buchanan, daughter Tamara Promise (Buchanan) Jones, son Brandon Jones, grandson Langston Jones, daughter Kerren Premeria Buchanan and siblings Sherry Evans, John Patrick and Paul Patrick, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and two special friends – Carol Dawson and Jean Williams.
Gloria is one of my biggest cheerleaders. She would tell me “You got to do what you got to do. Take care of yourself “.
She truly loved all of family and friends. And was especially proud of her husband,daughters, son in law and grandson.
She will truly be missed
Thank You so much Mama’ Glo for your everlasting love, support and wisdom! I will be forever thankful for you. May you rest in peace and be an angel to both your hubby and two wonderful daughters. Although I miss you, I know you are in a better place. Love you always, your other daughter, Qui.
My Gd bless this family and surround with his peace and love..
May you rest in heaven your loving memory will never be forgotten
Rest in peace, your earthly job is done and God said well done. You left a strong legacy
Sorry for your lost. She’s now in a better place With the Heavenly Father.
Our heartfelt condolences to the Buchanan family, you are in our prayers.
May God comfort and give you peace.
I am so sorry for your loss may she Rest In Heaven
My condolences to all of Gloria’ s family members. My prayers are with you. Gloria was a truly wonderful person. She will be missed greatly.
Love, Sheryl Hall
may the lords grace and healing be with the family during this trying time God bless
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this triying time. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting your mother, I feel like I have known her. May she rest in peace.
Loved you much! RIP!
Sending love to Promise and her family. Sorry for your loss. I pray God continues to wrap his arms around you. Sending prayers of love and comfort
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this trying time.
Our love and condolences to you and your family.
Blessings – Jennifer Taylor, Martha & James Wesley
Sending love and prayers to Promise and family. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Gloria, but I can tell from reading the obituary she was one very special soul. Much love!
My prayers are with the family during this sad time. Rest in peace Gloria. Love you always.
May Ms Gloria’s precious soul rest in paradise. I’ve had the pleasure to meet Promise and if she is anything like her mother I can tell that Ms Gloria was an amazing woman, nurturer, teacher, mother, grandmother and friend. Praying for your whole family at this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss, I will be praying for the family, and keeping you in my constant thoughts and prayers.
I am sorry for your lose. I am praying for the family. Sending my love to you all.
May Gloria’s soul rest in Paradise forever. We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful loved one. Many prayers of peace, strength and love go out to the Buchanan family. The Gistarb Family
Glo, you had stunning beauty inside and out and you were always humble and filled with humility and caring for others.I too benefited from your tidbits of wisdom when my husband passed. You said “You’re gonna be alright” and I have been. Thank you Glo, we all miss you.
She was uplifting, always with the positive word.
The night after I learned of her passing I woke up repeatedly with her in mind and the image of a strong, beautiful birch tree. I could only see the trunk. I think it means there was so much more to her than I would ever know.
James and family, I wish you strength.
I’m so sorry for your lose much love to you big bro and family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Wow, what great company my mommy will have with you Ms. Gloria. May you reign in paradise along with her as I know you were your families “Queen”. What an amazing legacy you have left behind. I pray for your families strength and God’s comforting embrace. I so wish I would’ve gotten the opportunity to meet you because then I actually could say I’ve met 2 of the strongest women I’ve ever known. Rest in Paradise.
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE LIGHT THAT SHONE WHENEVER I WAS IN GLORIA’S PRESENCE. SHE DISPENSED WISDOM WITH A LISTENING EAR, OPEN MIND AND EVEN LAUGHTER.
I PRAY THAT GOD CONTINUE TO WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND YOU, JAMES, PROMISE AND PREMERIA, AND THAT YOU LEAN ON HIS WORD FOR STRENGTH ALWAYS. GOD BLESS YOU.
LOVE PATTY, LEROY and AARON
My condolences
We will so miss seeing Gloria sitting on her porch waving at us as we drove by. She always tended to her flowers and had a beautful garden that was both the envy and joy of the whole neighborhood. She will be missed. Please accept our condolences.
So sorry to hear about your loss. This is what Jehovah says ….. ” As a mother comforts her son, so I will keep comforting you.” We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Anita (Murray) Carr & Family
Promise and Kerren,
I’m so terribly sorry for your lose. Please take care of your father and keep each other close (like you always do). Think of the good times and smile. Know that your mother is at peace and the worries of this world are no longer upon her. I love you guys and I’m praying for you all.
Love,
Tess Lyles
My condolences to the family
The angels have another angel to talk and laugh
RIP my friend.
Promise and Premeria,
I am soo sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
I never had the opportunity to meet your mother but the two of you are two extraordinary women. I knew you are a reflection of her and all that she poured into you!. There are no words to ease the void of her absence, but have comfort in knowing she is with the Lord.
Love you both and my prayers are with you!
Missy
Family, she is with God now surrounded in his loving care. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. May God bless you.
My sincere condolences to the family. You are in my prayers.
Gloria and I grew up together in the Yesler Terrace and have been friends all through the years. Although we mostly saw each other when attending the Garfield HS Reunions, we never stopped greeting each other by our Spanish given names, she was Pepa and I was Lupe! There were three of us that stuck together in our grade-school Spanish class, Gloria Patrick; Cleo Bascomb; and Vivian Kendricks; Pepa; Lupe and Tula. Affectionately known as Pepita; Lupita; and Tulita! Pepita my dear friend, I will miss you much. May God Bless you and your dear family eternally.
Mommy-I am still in shock and disbelief by your sudden departure! There are so many things that I wish we still had time to do together, so many things I wish I could tell you or show you; however, I know that God’s tender mercy and grace is sufficient and He saw fit to call you home. In the grander scheme of things, He loved you most, and allowed me to experience your awesomeness for 32 years. How blessed and fortunate am I? I am so ever grateful that throughout my entire life I knew I was loved, supported, and nurtured by a God fearing woman, with a sweet gentle spirit. I’ve learned so much from you and treasure every ounce of wisdom you poured into our lives. My heart is heavy due to your physical presence being gone, but at the same time my heart is full of loving memories. With pride and honor I speak your name and reflect on your presence. When people tell how much I look like you, a myriad of emotions spill into my mind. Joy and pride because what an honor to be a reflection of the woman you were; and humility because quite frankly, you were a gem, special and rare; it’s humbling to be compared to such a phenomenal woman! I can only pray to be the type of woman, wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and Believer that you were. Though life will go on, and this heartache will subside, there will always be a void, as life in our family will never be the same. Our Matriarch has left her throne and rightfully taken her place to be with her Heavenly Father. Until I see you again…I love Mommy, forever and always-your baby, Mira
Mr. Buchanan, Promise and Premeria,
Words can’t express my sorrows and shock of your loss. All I can say is, I am so sorry and if you ever need a hug or someone to sit with, I can do that, we can sit in silence…I will say that your mother was a lovely woman and was so sweet. I remember being over years ago on 30th and watching a Pam Grier movie with you all and Mrs. Buchanan asked if we needed snacks or I’d hear a giggle from her. Those were memories which I will cherish, it was a second family beyond my own.
May the Lord continue to Bless your family and grant you Peace You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
With Lots of Love,
Lulu Miles (LuVetra Brooks)
With deepest sympathy, remembering you in our prayers.
From the Family at Church of God Evangelistic Center: “You are in our prayers; knowing God is able to grant you PEACE and COMFORT for the days ahead.
Miss you so much Mommy…wishing Heaven had visiting hours
Miss you and love you!
Mommy- there will forever be this ache that will never find relief. I think about daily, several times through my day, and reflect on how great your love is for us. I appreciate you more than I can ever express, there is nothing like a mother’s love. Until I see you again…I will catch you in my dreams! Love you deeply and miss you sorely.
Mira
Hi Mommy, Just thinking about you, as I do daily. Really miss you a bunch today…Wish I could get one of your hugs. Continue your well deserved rest in the safest place. Love you. Mira