Betty Buchanan

1944 - 2025

Betty Jo Buchanan was an accomplished woman in so many ways. Betty was a Masters Level mathematician that gave her a career working with the government as a Cobol programmer. Betty was an artist and creator, an element that threads throughout her life from cutting out perfect paper letters for her children' s science project boards, to decorating her home in beautiful ways, to making lacy prom dresses, to her amazingly beautiful and award winning quilts later in life. She expressed creativity in such matter-of-fact ways, simple fixes and creations, that amazed and delighted those around her, while she would shrug, "Of course, I can do that," with an impish grin. She was a sister, mother, wife and grandmother, always loving and caring for her family. Betty loved her family dearly. She and her husband had a child-like love for each other that had the depth and quality of long-time best friends, often teasing and joking with each other. Betty was a constant partner in her children's activities, sometimes coaching sports teams- sometimes spectator, late night (and last minute!) school projects and homework, sewing projects for prom or Halloween, or making furniture for college dorms. Betty collected friends, both at work and church. Betty loved playing games and working puzzles. As long as her children can remember, Betty has been playing Rook and Scrabble and working puzzles with them. Betty will be remembered for her creativity, giving spirit and the ability to see the good in people. Julie will remember her mother for making "taking care of everybody" with her whole heart, while still having a job, look effortless. Betty's love showed in so many ways, but so often through her creative mind - painting, teaching, sewing. Throughout Julie's life, Betty showed up through sewing, creating Easter dresses, Halloween costumes and Christmas quilts. Julie will miss her mother's ability to love so deeply through her craft. Patty remembers her mother for so many things, but mostly as a partner. She and her mother painted, wallpapered, and redecorated the house so many times (among so many other projects). They worked through the designs together side by side. Betty sincerely asking for her daughter's ideas and input, and then incorporating those into the final product. Betty's partnership with her daughter has given her strength with a sense of value as an adult. Her partnership and support will forever be missed. Travis remembers his mother for always being there with him through sickness and illness in his youth; to him, she was the caregiver in every way. He thanks her for having raised him in church. Her faith and devotion to Christ has bled into who he is today for himself and his kids. As an adult, he enjoyed building an adult relationship with her, being together for every milestone, graduations, weddings, births, and more, seeing how together they saught to foster and grow relationships with his kids and her grandkids. Even in her final days, she was everything to him and more, giving him peace and reassurance that she is now in a better place.

Betty passed at her home in Deer Lodge surrounded by her family. Betty is survived by her children Julie, Patty and Travis, and grandchildren Jenna, Laurel, Alexandra, Rowan and Eugene. Betty will be buried in Texas with her husband Mike and family.

Services will be held at Click Funeral Home in Farragut on Monday, November 24, 2025. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. with service following at 11 a.m.