Sara Mattie (Wyatt) Buckner, age 86, of Montevallo, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009.
Born in Montevallo on June 12, 1923, she was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Richard Roy “Dick” Buckner; parents, Henry Grady Wyatt and Dovey (Albright) Wyatt of Montevallo; and brother, James Henry Wyatt of Vestavia.
Mrs. Buckner is survived by her two sons, RIchard M. “Mike” Buckner of Montevallo and David E. Buckner of LaJolla, California; two half brothers-in-law with whom she and her late husband shared their home, Hershel W. Buckner of Birmingham and Grady L. Buckner of Alabaster; sister-in-law, Lee Wyatt of Vestavia; grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and numerous other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Buckner graduated from THompson High School of Siluria in 1941, and avidly participated in her class’ reunions. She also attended Wheeler Business College of Birmingham.
Mrs. Buckner began working with McConnell Sales & Engineering of Homewood in the mid-forties as secretary, subsequently became their office manager, and then in 1961 put her career on hold so she could be at home with her two young sons.
Later, in the mid-seventies, she resumed working with McConnell Industries of Homewood, which eventually relocated to Trussville, and she remained there until her retirement in 1992 as the company’s purchasing manager.
Throughout many years, Mrs. Buckner was actively involved with several large organizations.
Since 1957, she’s been a member of the previously-named Elliottsville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, now known as the First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster (Cumberland), wherein she’s served as secretary, Sunday school teacher, elder, and as secretary of he denomination’s Birmingham Cumberland Presbyterial Women “C.P.W.”.
During the sixties and seventies, she was a member of the Ebenezer branch of the Extension Homemakers’ Club of Shelby County.
She also served as secretary of the Shelco Volunteer Fire & Rescue organization, as well as secretary/treasurer and president of the Harless Cemetery Association.
Mrs. Buckner’s talents were also quite evident in her work with arts and crafts.
She was a skilled seamstress (especially known for her custom-made baby blankets), and a fine cook.
We will always treasure the true gift of Sara’s presence in our lives; she brightened the paths and lightened the journeys of many through her teaching, love, service, and giving.
Indeed, our mutual love for her and our gratefulness for her benevolence will endure.
Visitation will be at Rocko’s Funeral Home in Montevallo on Friday, Aug. 14, 2009 from 6-8 p.m.
The funeral service will be at the First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009 at 2 p.m. She will lie in state from 1-2 p.m., with the Reverend Mark A. Davenport officiating.
The graveside service and burial will follow in nearby Harless Cemetery with Rocko’s Funeral Home directing.
In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Buckner had requested that donations be made either to the Harless Cemetery Association, 3324 Chartwell Road, Birmingham, 35226-2604; or to the First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster (Cumberland), 8828 Highway 119, Alabaster, 35007.