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Deceased Name: Gwendolyn "Gwen" Earlin Sharp Buchanan
© Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home
Submitted by: Jo Aguirre
Gwendolyn "Gwen" Earlin Sharp Buchanan came into this world March 18, 1922 and made it to heaven July 8, 2014.
She was one of eleven brothers and sisters that were the children of Cleveland and Zora Sharp of Calera, Oklahoma and two infants went to heaven before the age of two.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleveland and Zora Sharp; husband, Gerald Buchanan; sisters, Lucille, Mozelle and Maureen along with brothers, J.T., Byrum and Jones who have made their way to heaven as well.
She is survived by grandchildren, Lynn Buchanan, Zoe Rawlings, Merrick McSwiggan, Gwen Gaines, Gerald Buchanan and Hunter Story along with twelve great-grandchildren, sisters, Cleta Ortloff of Houston along with Geraldine and husband Bob Auerbach of Denver.
Gwen was married to Gerald Dwight Buchanan in 1945 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at Boston Avenue Methodist Church in the Rose Chapel. Gerald had served in North Africa and Southern Italy as a medic while Gwen worked as a payroll secretary for Douglas Aircraft in Tulsa. After the war they moved back to Durant and settled their home with three children, Brian Anthony, Gerald "Jerry" Douglas and Tammy Liz. They built their first home on W. Cedar and later moved to 10th Street.
Gwen was involved with many, many civic and local organizations. She was a precinct official for the State and County Election Board for 45 years. Some of the many organizations Gwen was involved with as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, youth director for UMYF at the 1st Methodist Church of Durant. She volunteered at Durant Public Schools helping with needy children and too many other worthy positions to mention.
Many Durant youth knew her as their pre-school teacher in Mrs. Buchanan's Tiny Tot Nursery School. Her love for children shined thru to hundreds that learned their ABC's, crafts and how to play well with other children.
While never using the "Red Hot Paddle", it was used as an incentive to motivate many and her infamous homemade "Playdough" that seemed to disappear on occasion has been the topic of many a conversation. She attended DHS graduations regularly to see all her students graduate. She was proud that many were honor roll students.
"Nickles and Dimes" was her last business venture, that when closed, had kids and young adults from all over the Bryan County area saddened as it was a haven for kids to have good clean fun under the watchful eye of "Mr. and Mrs. B". Many attending "Mrs. B's" good-by will have life lasting stories of fun and laughter remembering the good ole days of "Nickles and Dimes".
Gwen was one of 77 known family members who attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University of which is a record not broken as of this date.
The family would like to extent a special thanks to Bobby and Norma Wells and the staff of Victory Hospice for all their loving care.
A gathering of friends and family will be from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2014 at the Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Oklahoma.
A funeral service in honor of Gwen's memory will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2014 at the First Methodist Church in Durant, Oklahoma with Rev. John Breon and Rev. Ross Kirven officiating.
Gwen will be laid to rest at the Rosehill Cemetery in Calera, Oklahoma. The pallbearers will be Hunter Story, Gerald Buchanan, Travis Gaines, Pete Rawlings, Don Ortloff, Lynn Ogilvie, Carl Baker and Clark Ogilvie.
Family and friends may send online condolences and view tributes at www.holmescoffeymurray.com.
Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, Durant, Oklahoma.
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