Beth Elaine Buchanan

Beth Elaine Buchanan obituary, Athens, GA

Beth Elaine Buchanan

Beth Buchanan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 21 to Mar. 25, 2023.
July 14, 1999 - February 13, 2023 Athens, GA Beth Elaine Buchanan was born on July 14, 1999 in Fresno, CA to parents Tim Buchanan and Julie Olson Buchanan. Beth was an exceptionally kind, warm, intelligent, witty, and fun-loving young woman with a keen interest in helping others.

Beth attended Valley Oak Elementary School and Kastner Intermediate School where she developed several lifelong friendships and was highly involved in drama, choir, student council, and soccer. She participated in Science Fair, earning a number of awards at the local and regional levels and was selected to represent the Central California region at the State Science Fair in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. In 2009, Beth was named an Academic All-Star by the Fresno Bee.

Beth graduated as a valedictorian with academic distinction from Clovis West High School in 2017, where she maintained a stellar academic record and showed unusual talent in a range of academic subjects, participating in the Academic Decathlon and Mock Trial teams. Beth had a beautiful voice, was a talented actress and dancer, and was enthusiastically involved in choir and drama. She had the opportunity to perform in every musical and play while a student at Clovis West, with her most memorable role as Wednesday in the Addams Family (musical), for which she won a Danny Award. Beyond her school involvement, Beth was also an active Girl Scout, and earned her Girl Scout Gold Award in 2017 for creating a sustainable drought-friendly community garden to serve patrons freshly-grown produce and culturally-appropriate herbs at a local food pantry. The garden is still operating and flourishing today - serving over 300 families per month with its bounty.

Throughout her time in Fresno, Beth was very involved in her church, University Presbyterian Church, where she felt very supported and nurtured. She was an active member of its youth group, choir, and service opportunities. Beth was also involved in local community theater, including California Arts Academy and Roger Rocka's Workshops.

After high school, Beth attended Rice University in Houston, TX, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2021. While at Rice University, Beth was very involved in research, serving as a research lab manager. On graduation, she earned several academic awards - including the William Howell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship - and graduated with honors for her thesis titled: "The Role of Family Income and Financial Security in Work-School Conflict and Work-School Facilitation." Outside of her academic achievements, Beth also made several dear friends at Rice, and spent her free time performing in plays, exploring the food scene in Houston, volunteering, and singing with her a capella group, The Low-Keys.

Beth went on to pursue a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA, where her research interests centered on lower-income workers, particularly with respect to work-family balance, employee well-being, and gender. She was flourishing as a researcher and graduate student. Beth was nearing the end of her second year in the program when her life was taken. She was extremely happy in Georgia, where she lived with her dear cat, Boba, and met her beloved partner, Asa Julien, who is a PhD student in Geography at UGA.

From a young age, Beth deeply valued spending quality time with her parents and sister, who spent lots of time together traveling, trying new things, making up songs, creating adventures, and laughing. She and her older sister Claire were lifelong best friends, and the two continued to perform together, work on community service projects together, cook together, and develop similar senses of humor throughout Beth's life.

Beth's energy, warmth, and humor lit up the room. She was a force for good and had a lifelong passion for social justice. Beth enjoyed traveling to new places, listening to and performing music, hiking with Asa, reading fiction and history books, cooking elaborate and impressive meals, and participating in as many impromptu dance parties as she could. Beth is a dearly loved and irreplaceable daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, partner, and friend, and her infectious laugh, warm presence, unmatched humor, compassion, and kind heart are deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Beth's life was tragically cut short on February 13th, 2023 when her car was hit head on by a drunk driver outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

Beth is survived by her parents, Tim and Julie Buchanan (Fresno, CA); her sister, Claire Buchanan (Portland, OR); her maternal grandparents, David and Bonnie Olson (Naperville, IL); aunts, uncles and cousins including Susan and Selam Olson (New Haven, CT), Bill, Kim, and Corey Buchanan (Portland, OR), Chris, Mitzi, and Kayla Buchanan (New Castle, DE), John, Carey, and Tess Buchanan (El Dorado Hills, CA), and Mark Buchanan and Shinya Kurebayashi (Saratoga, CA); her beloved partner, Asa Julien (Athens, GA); her dearly loved cat, Boba; and several dear and cherished friends. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, William and Rosemary Buchanan.

Services will be held at 2 pm on April 15, 2023 at University Presbyterian Church, 1776 E. Roberts Avenue, Fresno, CA, with a reception to follow.

Inspired by Beth's passion and commitment to helping others through action and research, we have created the Beth E. Buchanan Memorial Fund through the Central Valley Community Foundation, which strives to honor Beth's legacy by supporting other young individuals who, like Beth, are dedicated to beginning a locally-minded community service project or conducting original research projects to help make the world a better place. Donations to the memorial fund can be made at tinyurl.com/beth-buchanan

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Beth Buchanan's Guest Book

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April 15, 2023

Suzanne and Hugh Awtrey planted trees.

April 13, 2023

The Facteau Family sent flowers.

April 12, 2023

Denise and Jason Roberts planted trees.

Single Memorial Tree

Suzanne and Hugh Awtrey

Planted Trees

The FTD Simply Serene Floor Basket

The Facteau Family

Sent Flowers

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Denise and Jason Roberts

Planted Trees

Farewell Too Soon Bouquet

Lyme Church

Sent Flowers

Earth & Sky Memorial

Eileen Bosch

Sent Flowers

Rosalie Hoffman

April 1, 2023

I didn't know Beth, but, her grandmother, Bonnie Olson. and I worked together at Ellsworth School. If Beth was anything like her grandmother, she must have been a wonderful young lady.

Regal Jewel - A Florist Original

With love, the Julien family

Sent Flowers

Single Memorial Tree

Elvira Chaush

Planted Trees

Don Black

March 29, 2023

Tim and Julie, Deborah and I are so sorry for your loss. We know you must be devastated by the loss of such a wonderful child. We are thinking of you.

Peg Foltz

March 28, 2023

Bonnie & Dave, I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful granddaughter Beth. Prayers for you and family. God bless.

Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees

Peg Foltz

Planted Trees

Sara Weiner

March 26, 2023

I had the pleasure of watching Facebook updates over the years about Claire and Beth and though never met either felt a sort of Auntie pride seeing their accomplishments, and kindness. This family has such strong ties and seems to have lots of fun together so this deep loss is unimaginable. I think of my friend Julie, the entire family, and Asa daily.

Janet Duke

March 25, 2023

I´m shocked reading this news, there are no words to convey how devastated I am to learn of Beth´s passing. I remember Beth well and she and Claire were much loved and appreciated by our Clovis West community - staff and students alike. I´m so very sorry, may Beth´s memory be eternal.

Cindy Karis & Harold Bullard

March 25, 2023

We mourn Beth's untimely death along with her grandparents, Bonnie & Dave. Our prayers are with the family for peace and comfort during this very sad time. May her life be a blessing for all who were touched by her grace and joy. Hugs, Harold & Cindy

Single Memorial Tree

Jean and Brad Millar

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

Sending love, Lisa Burke

Planted Trees

Rosalie Hoffman

March 23, 2023

The World was a better place because of Beth.

Emil & Ratan

March 23, 2023

Dear Julie and Family,

We are very sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time.

Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.

Chethika (Chet) Hapugalle from Sri Lanka class of 1995 Wilson College PA US

March 23, 2023

Single Memorial Tree

Ida Jones

Planted Trees

Ida Jones

March 22, 2023

I remember both your daughters as youngsters laughing and playing as they walked to and from your office in the Peters Building. Your life has been immeasurably enriched by both daughters and both will always live in your heart. I send as much love as you can hold now and for your future. Love and hold onto each other and add a special measure of love for Beth.
Ida

Janell Morillo

March 22, 2023

Julie and Family - I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I hope you are able to hold the wonderful memories you have of Beth close to your heart. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Rosemary Wanis

March 22, 2023

Dr. Olson-Buchanan, I am very sorry for your huge loss as a mother and as a family. You were my teacher in the DPELFS program and I remember how you would glow a you talked about your daughter with us as your students. May that glow always bring you joy and comfort in memory of a truly beautiful, amazing, and brilliant soul.

Jo Orlando

March 22, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss. Beth was inspirational even in kindergarten. I have many great memories of her. With symmpathy

Kyle Lyman

March 22, 2023

Dear Dr. Olson-Buchanan and Family,

I am deeply sorry for your loss and share my condolences with you and your family. I remember you talking about Beth's research interests to me and from what I've learned, she has made such a positive impact that will continue to serve as inspiration for others.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Paul and Barb Price

March 22, 2023

What an enormous positive impact Beth had on the world in such a short time! She was a shining light. Julie and Tim, you have our absolute deepest sympathy and condolences.

Single Memorial Tree

Brenna Ariel Barks

Planted Trees

Saundra Williams

March 22, 2023

To the Family of Beth, Sitting here at my desk,
I read your daughters obituary, my heart go out to you all!
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for the family.. God bless

Peter, Brendan and Charlotte (Jacks grandkid)

March 22, 2023

Brendan and I are extremely sorry for your deep loss and words will not heal this but know we are praying for all of you.

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval

March 22, 2023

Dear Julie and family,

We send you our most sincere sympathies.

A daughter like Beth, with the sheer light of talent and intelligence, is a gift beyond compare. We are truly sorry for your loss.

We send you our warm regards, and our prayers of strength.

Saúl, Mariana, Arion, and Leo

Hannah Evans

March 21, 2023

As I read this obituary, I still cannot believe what has happened. There is so much I could I say, but words always seem to fall short when a trauma so devastating, so senseless, so painfully heartbreaking shakes us. You will not get through this alone. Love you forever.

Kiaya Hargis

March 21, 2023

Beth, you were a beautiful person and friend. One day I hope to be as kind and smart as you.

Dawn Hoffman

March 21, 2023

I loved watching her perform in all the plays at Clovis West. Your daughters were both so talented! Beth was such a sweetheart. This is so Devestating. Prayers for your family.

Jennifer Diaz

March 21, 2023

Tim and Julie,

I am so saddened by your loss. Nothing I can say will ease this time. Your grief is overwhelming and incomprehensible. You are in my prayers for God´s hand and support as you mourn Beth. She sounded like a phenomenal person and our world is at a loss in her passing. I am so sorry.

Jennifer Diaz

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Sign Beth Buchanan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 15, 2023

Suzanne and Hugh Awtrey planted trees.

April 13, 2023

The Facteau Family sent flowers.

April 12, 2023

Denise and Jason Roberts planted trees.