Mildred Pugh Buchanan, age 80, departed this life at her home in Selma on February 7, 2013 after a long illness. Mildred championed for years without complaint, all the while, continuing to do her best to help others and bring a smile to the face of all she saw. She was born on June 16, 1932.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jasper E. and Lula B. Pugh; brothers, Albert and Clifford Pugh and sisters, Marie (Dewey) Culpepper and Maybelle (Charles) Gumben.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, James C. “Jimmy” Buchanan; sons, Mitchell C. (Katherine) Buchanan and Gary E. (Diane) Buchanan; brothers, Jasper J. (Euline) Pugh and Harry W. (Shirley) Pugh; sister-in-law, Ruby Jean Pugh; grandchildren, Freya, Liv (Fredrick), Erin, Beau, William, Ben, Daniel and Brooksie Buchanan, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mildred was a loving mother and devoted military wife who provided unwavering support of her husband during his twenty-eight year military career, accompanying him on military tours of duty in Europe, Japan and throughout the United States. She single-handedly maintained a home and raised two teen-aged sons while her husband was away performing military duty in Vietnam and Korea. After retiring as a bookkeeper from the former Pearson Woodworking and Cabinet Shop, Mildred joined the VRMC Auxiliary (Pink Ladies), where she volunteered for thirteen years. Her greatest joy was meeting and assisting patients and working in the gift shop. She was also a member of Alpha Civitan I International and Westwood Baptist Church where she attended faithfully until her illness.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Julian Howell and his nurse, Marsha for their compassion and excellent medical care provided for many years, the staff of Cahaba Hospice, especially nurse, Jean Brannon and aide, Brenda Bossie for their care and compassion during this stressful period and her dear friend and caregiver, Anita Barlow, who was always there when needed.

Funeral services will be held at Selma Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Ed Eaton and Rev. Henry LeVert officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service at 1-2:00 p.m. Interment will be in Pineview Memory Gardens with Selma Funeral Home directing.

Mildred’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

You may go online to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest book at http://www.selmafuneralhome.com/.