Craig Allen Buchanan

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
The life and legacy of Craig Allen Buchanan II began on November 11, 1986, and was completed on October 3, 2025.
Craig was born in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Craig A. Buchanan Sr. and Brenda A. Buchanan. He was the youngest of two children. From an early age, Craig displayed a caring personality much like his father. He never met a stranger and would give everyone a hug.
Craig had a love for art, martial arts, anime, and video gaming. Although, as a youngster, he faced speech delays and other learning challenges, he overcame them through perseverance and art-and never let them stop him. He went on to win awards, including the NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) competition, and had opportunities to showcase his artistic abilities across many states.
Craig was a bright student, loved by all of his teachers. He also made deep connections with his classmates and friends-brothers at heart-who could often be found gathered at his mother's house, enjoying food, laughter, and games.
He attended Battle Creek Public Schools, where he received the Presidential Award and was on the honor roll, earning high honors in science, and graduated from Battle Creek Central in 2004. Craig later attended the Michigan Career Technical Institute and completed coursework in Kentucky and at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan. He also completed the Community Action's Pathway Program, where he obtained his Child Development Associate (CDA) certification.
Craig worked several jobs before finding his niche at Harvest Learning Center, as "the best" preschool teacher and bus driver. He was known for arriving at work long before the start time, doing whatever needed to be done, showing great leadership, and playing kid-friendly music with plenty of bass. One of his favorite things to do was plan and coordinate preschool programs such as Black History Month and Graduation. Over his nine years at HLC, he truly loved his co-workers, student teachers, parents, and all of his little friends.
Raised in the church, Craig carried a strong faith and believed deeply in being a good person. When he set his mind to something, he followed through. He often shared words of encouragement on social media, reminding others to keep moving forward no matter what life brought their way.
Craig found a true passion for healthy eating and adopted an "alkaline-based lifestyle." You could often find him sharing his food creations online, inspiring others to live healthier under his tick tock handle kingoftheclouds11.
Craig's legacy of creativity, kindness, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him-and loved him. Though he has transitioned from this life, his memory will forever be cherished and celebrated.
Craig was blessed with four children, whom he leaves to cherish his memory: Cordell (a freshman at Western Michigan University), Chloe, Chalia, and Craig III. He also leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Brenda A. Buchanan Mayaka of Battle Creek, Michigan; sisters Cherise Buchanan of Dallas, Texas, and Audrey Calery of Battle Creek, Michigan; brother Dwight (Veronica) Evans of Dallas, Texas; and grandparents James (Shirley) Dorsey of Rochester, New York.
He will be dearly missed by his nephews and nieces Judah "Jelly" Calery, Khya, Melah, Jaice, Callie, and Kortland; godson Omari Mostafa; aunts and uncles Cynthia Johnson, Johnny (Marsha) Buchanan of Jackson, Michigan; Willie Guy, Curtis (Janet Bright) Davis, Larry Davis, Paul (godfather) (Fredrika) Sharp, Paula Sharp, Shelia Virgil, all of Battle Creek, Michigan; Tyelise (Rikki) Patros, James Dorsey Jr., Terry (Wendy) Dorsey, Kamaria Curtis all of Rochester, New York; Beverly Davis of Kalamazoo, Michigan; godmother Teresa Harris; friend Andre Barnes and special friend Whitney Mostafa; along with a host of extended family members, close friends, and students.
Craig was preceded in death by his father, Craig A. Buchanan Sr.; grandmother Josphine Baldwin; grandparents J.J. and Verniece Buchanan; aunts Donna Guy and Sharon Trice; and uncle Leroy Johnson.
We thank God for the gift of Craig-a life well-lived, a heart well-loved, and a spirit now at rest.
In lieu of flowers if you would like to provide a donation to assist with the continued care of Craig Buchanan's 4 children that would be appreciated. You can Apple Pay Brenda Mayaka or Venmo Cherise Buchanan.