Rachel Buie

Rachel M. Buie

Asheville - Rachel M. Buie, died peacefully in her sleep November 24, 2015 after a period of declining health. A lifelong resident of North Carolina, she was born January 22, 1927 in High Point, to the late Robert D. Buie and Shirley Cox Buie. She was educated in the Mooresville public schools, received her B.A. degree from Greensboro College, and her M.A. and Ed.S. degrees from Appalachian State University.

She spent 34 years in education; 18 in the classroom and 16 in administration. She was a former member of Phi Delta Kappa and Alpha Delta Kappa, both educational fraternities.

She served as vice chair of the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners, vice chair of the board of the Department of Social Services; president of the Caldwell County School Foundation; vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce Educational Division; and chair of Leadership Caldwell. She served many years on the board of the Shelter Home of Caldwell County. She received the L.A.Dysart Citizenship Award in 1995 in recognition for outstanding service toward the betterment of her community.

She retired to Asheville in 1996 where she was active in many areas of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, at UNC-Asheville and in the NC Center for Creative Retirement (now OLLI), the Chatmore Club and Today's Book Club.

Survivors include Diedra Sumlin and husband, Kenneth, of Charlotte; Dr. Stephen Buie and wife, Billie, of Asheville, and Angela Bensberg, of Greensboro. Six grandchildren: Andrew and Dr. Benjamin Sumlin, Sarah, Hannah and Grace Buie, and Ian Bensberg.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 28 at 4 pm. The family will receive friends after the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church or to Lutheridge Church Camp. Condolences may be made to the family at www.AshevilleMortuaryServices.com.