Virginia Custer Buchanan

Virginia Custer Buchanan, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully departed on November 4, 2023, at the age of 94. Throughout her life, she consistently stood as a pillar of support and love for her family, whether it was during holidays, birthdays, school pageants, lacrosse and field hockey games, and countless other occasions. Her warm embrace was always readily available for anyone in need. Her innate and effortless kindness were always on display.

She was born on February 27, 1929 to CDR John H. Smith and Virginia C. Smith in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She attended Saint Mary's School in Raleigh, North Carolina and Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. While in college, she met and married Alvin John Buchanan Jr., who later became an officer in the Navy. As a "Navy wife" Virginia and family moved frequently to various military towns. After settling in Virginia Beach in 1969, Virginia taught prekindergarten at Baylake Pines School and later Friends School.

She was later known by many as "Grandma Beach" or "Grandma B." She was an avid tennis player at The Princess Anne Country Club and was known to outmatch younger players even well into her sixties. She was also very involved in Galilee Episcopal Church where her strong faith in Jesus Christ thrived. This includes the creation of the "Grandma Shuffle" that became so well known among any that could see her during musical worship. She deeply enjoyed serving others through both Galilee and other community organizations. She had an amazing heart full of unconditional love.

Virginia was predeceased by husband CDR Alvin John Buchanan Jr., brothers Lawrence Smith and John Casper Smith, parents John H. Smith and Virginia Custer Smith, and son-in law William F. Rountree Jr.

Virginia is survived by her daughters Georgia Buchanan (Robert Morse), Alice Meredith, Virginia Rountree, her grandchildren Michael Meredith (Lindsey), Kristen Meredith (Tyler), Patrick Morse, and Ben Rountree (Catherine), and her great grandson Michael Manugo.

Virginia's joyful spirit and infectious smile will live in our hearts forever. She will be missed dearly.

A memorial service will be held at Galilee Episcopal Church, 3928 Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA on November 21, 2023 at 1:00PM. Memorial donations may be made to Galilee Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at hdoliver.com.