Donna Marie Buchanan

Donna Marie Thatcher Buchanan, 91, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 24 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Born in Pontiac, Michigan on June 19, 1925, Donna was the first born of Laurence B. Thatcher and Helen E. Thatcher. She went to Imlay City high school, where she played competitive tennis, was a cheerleader, and a percussionist in the band.

Donna attended the University of Michigan, graduating with degrees in English and French. Soon after she worked as the Executive Assistant to the CEO of Keiser-Frazier Motors Corporation.

She met and married her sweetheart “Kay” Buchanan, who became the well-known psychiatrist and 25 year Executive Director of Henderson Mental Health Center. Donna was an active member, holding leadership roles in the Henderson Auxiliary.

She moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1965 and was very active at First Baptist Church of Pompano Beach. Donna was the first female chairman of the FBC Pompano finance committee, where she advocated for the homeless, children’s programs, and evangelism. For decades, she was a gifted teacher of a ladies Sunday school class, sang in the choir, played the piano, played hand bells, and was a youth choir sponsor.

Among her family and friends, Donna was known for her wonderful cooking and baking, her wise counsel, and her way of knowing “just the right thing to say" to make someone feel better in times of need.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Thomas K. Buchanan, her father Laurence B. Thatcher, her mother Helen E. Thatcher, and her grandson Thomas K. Buchanan III.

She is survived by her sister Elaine Crake, three children Julie K. Drewry, Thomas K. Buchanan Jr., and Mary Anne Cooley, as well as her four grandchildren Bradley T. Drewry, Elizabeth A. Buchanan Brown, Lauren A. Cooley and David T. Cooley.

A private interment will be held in Imlay Township Cemetery, Imlay City, Michigan.

The family is requesting that memorial gifts be sent to First Baptist Church of Pompano Beach for the Lord’s Gift House - homeless ministry. 138 NE 1st Street - Pompano Beach, FL 33060. All gifts are tax deductible and will be acknowledged.