Helen Elizabeth Wilkinson Buchanan died peacefully on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Mama Helen, as she was known to most people, was born to Naomi G. Turner and George Leybourne Wilkinson on September 24, 1913.

She was predeceased by her husband, O.M. “Buck” Buchanan; her parents; brothers and sisters- in-law, E. Holmes (Marion) and Kush (Nancy) Wilkinson; and her son, George Buchanan. She is survived by children, Sallie Ann (George) Buchanan, Miller and Mary Jane Buchanan and Martee Buchanan; grandchildren, Chris and Dawn Buchanan, Joe and Susan Buchanan, Sallie Manson and Randy Glenn, Helen Jane and Ted Hodges and Rob and Hayley Buchanan; great-grandchildren Mattie Ann and JEB Buchanan, Miller Falcon Hodges, Ann Turner and Mary Margaret Glenn and Kennedy and Lucy Buchanan. Surviving nieces and nephews are, Chris, Kit and Nan Wilkinson, Susan W. Whittaker, Leslie Long Powell, Sam Wilkinson and Logan Powell. Her loving caregivers are Jennie Liles, Bridget Powell, Lauren Cozart and Tonya Evans.

Mama Helen started her teaching career in a one room school for grades 1 – 12. She continued her teaching career in Pittsylvania County and Lunenburg County. She was born to be a teacher and never thought of any other career. Her legacy includes hundreds of students who loved her and respected her as the strict educator she was proud to be. Even after a fall forced her out of her home and into a long-term care facility, she continued to teach and inform those around her. Throughout her lifetime and until her last day, Mama Helen’s legacy has been to make the most of what you have and be cheerful and grateful for all of God’s blessings.

She loved to tease, but she always followed up with a wink and a smile.  And if she stuck her tongue out at you, you knew you were somebody special!

Graveside funeral services were held Saturday, June 25, 2016, at 1 p.m., in the Kenbridge Heights Cemetery, Kenbridge. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Kenbridge United Methodist Church, Kenbridge, VA or the Wesley Foundation, 1022 Downey Street, Radford, VA 24141. Clarke Funeral Home, Kenbridge, in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent by visiting: www.clarkefh.com.