Minnie Lee Buchanan

Age 70, retired educator for Metro Public Schools departed this life January 23, 2018 at Saint Thomas - West Hospital.

Minnie Lee Buchanan was born April 29th,1947 from the union of Charlie Buchanan, Sr. and Minnie Buchanan.  She was the third child of seven children.

Minnie graduated from Haynes High School in 1965. She finished at Tennessee State University in 1970 where she received her Bachelors of Science in Education. While attending TSU she enjoyed swimming and track.  Minnie love learning and sharing her knowledge with anyone who wanted to learn, although she was drawn to the children. She also received her Masters and various license and certifications at Trevecca University.

With all of her education and accomplishments, her relationship with God was always first. She accepted God into her life at an early age and was baptized by Dr. Morgan Babb at King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church. She later moved her membership to St. Teresa Holiness Science church where she worked tirelessly with the children and under the direction of Reverend Frank Vaughn, the assistant pastor. She served as the bible school and Sunday school teacher for over thirty years. Minnie inspired hundreds of children to major successes, including judges, lawyers and teachers, as well as in their Christian walk with Christ.

Minnie was preceded in death by father, Charles Buchanan, Sr; sister, Pearl Gooch; and brother, Oliver Buchanan.

Minnie leaves to cherish her memories, loving mother, Minnie Buchanan; six siblings, Inez Guthrie, Charlie (Wilma) Buchanan, Melvin (India) Buchanan, and Dorothy (Larry) Nelson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.


A good teacher is like a gardener, they can take something that no one sees potential in, water it, nurture it, and watch it turn into something beautiful. On January 23, 2018, Minnie Lee planted her last flower but has forever left a beautiful flower bed.