Brenda Buchanan

Brenda Buchanan, a woman who lived with the kind of gusto that could shame a firecracker, took her final bow on November 27, 2024, in Easley, SC. Born on December 18, 1957, Brenda was the human equivalent of a Swiss Army knife – if Swiss Army knives were also full-time grandmothers of the year, could fix brakes, and knew their way around a washing machine like a pro.

Brenda was the beloved matriarch of a family that could easily fill a small auditorium. She was preceded in passing by a constellation of stars that included her parents, Helen and Jushaw Buchanan; her brother, Billy Buchanan; her sisters, Wanda Wright; and not one, but two husbands, Johnny Mcjunkins and Stoney Honeycutt who must be having one heck of a reunion with her now. She leaves behind a legacy in the form of her sister, Diane Buchanan Bagwell; her sister-in-law, Cookie Broadway; her son, Johnny Mcjunkins Jr; her daughter, Tracy Mcjunkins; and a parade of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry on her firecracker spirit.

Brenda was the kind of person who showed up to every event with a smile that could light up a room and a supportive word for everyone. She was the rock, the foundation, the 'call Brenda when you don't know what to do' kind of person. Her tough love was as legendary as her ability to make you laugh until your sides hurt. She was passionate about her beliefs, and if you ever doubted that, you never had a conversation with her.

Her interests were as eclectic as her skill set. Brenda could be found surrounded by her collection of clocks, cookie jars, and antiques, each with its own story, probably involving a hilarious haggling session at a yard sale. She was a crafty lady, both literally and figuratively, and could outwit, outplay, and outlast anyone in a battle of wits or a crafting marathon.

Selfless, thoughtful, and funny are words that barely scratch the surface of Brenda's character. She was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back, and then tease you about the color not being your style. She lived her life with a laugh always at the ready and a helping hand extended.

Brenda's work history was unconventional, to say the least. She was a full-time grandmother, which meant she was on-call 24/7, ready to dispense wisdom, band-aids, and the occasional reality check. Her association involvement was with anyone who needed her, which meant she was pretty much the president of every club without ever being elected.

Her nephew Chris Buchanan and niece Amber Buchanan knew her as the cool aunt who could regale you with stories that somehow always ended in laughter, even if they started with a lesson. And let's not forget her grandchildren – Josie, Jade, Chase, Haley, Trayhum, Trenton, and Jaylynn – who knew that a visit to grandma's house meant you'd leave with a full belly, a fixed whatever you broke and a story to tell your friends.