Sarah L. Buchanan
Born on March 28, 1941, in Transylvania County, North Carolina, Sarah was the daughter of Paul M. Whitmire and Maxine Moore Whitmire. She grew up in the Brevard area and graduated from Rosman High School in 1959. Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University and later completed a Master of Education in Counseling at UNC–Charlotte.
On June 16, 1962, Sarah married Ray Buchanan at Mt. Moriah Calvert Baptist Church in Brevard. They built their life together in Western North Carolina, spending three decades in Marion before moving to Little Switzerland in 2006. After Sarah’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, they relocated to Durham to be closer to family and medical care.
Sarah dedicated her career to education and counseling, retiring from McDowell County Schools in 2003. She was instrumental in administering the Parents as Teachers program and served as Board Chairman of the McDowell County Partnership for Children and Families. Sarah was especially proud of co-founding the McDowell High School Accelerated Learning Center, which provided new opportunities for students. Her career also included roles at Southwestern Community College and contributions to the development of the Corpening Memorial YMCA in Marion.
In retirement, Sarah embraced her love of the land as co-owner of the Emerald Tree Farm in Little Switzerland, where she cultivated native plants and Christmas trees. A passionate organic gardener and seed saver, she cherished preserving heirloom plants and sharing them with others.
Sarah is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ray Buchanan; her children, Christopher Buchanan (Claudia), Angela Buchanan, and Andrew Buchanan; her grandchildren, Mitchell Offe, Wilder Buchanan, Wilson Buchanan, Carter Buchanan, and Lauren Buchanan; her sister, Janice Lee; her brother, Milton Whitmire; and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jerry Whitmire.
Sarah will be remembered for her warmth, dedication to education and community, and compassionate spirit. The family extends heartfelt thanks to those who supported Sarah during her illness, especially Misty Franklin, for her continued love and support of Sarah and Ray.