Jeraldine Buchanan

Jeraldine (Lee) Buchanan, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed away on September 28, 2025 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. She was 95 years old and resided in Ecorse, Michigan.

Born on August 26, 1930, in Harlan, Kentucky, Jeraldine was the daughter of the late Gilbert Lee and Ruby (Pugh) Lee. She grew up in the hills of Tennessee and Kentucky, where her early years on the farm shaped her hardworking spirit and warm hospitality. Jeraldine is survived by her dear sister Janice (Lee) Cratty and preceded in death by her siblings Shirley, Eloise, James Oscar, and Roscoe Clayton.

Jeraldine married the love of her life, the late Charles Buchanan, with whom she built a family rooted in care, laughter, and togetherness. She was a devoted homemaker, raising her children with selfless love, but in her later years she also worked at McDonald's to stay active and connected to her community. Jeraldine was also proud to be a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the women's branch of the Freemasons, where she and her husband found fellowship and purpose among peers.

She is preceded in death by her children: Charles Buchanan, Daniel Buchanan, Mary Pearce, and Stephen Buchanan. Jeraldine was a proud grandmother to Daniel (Sandra) Pearce, the late Jerry (late Lynda) Pearce, Naiche (Nicole) Bray, Jeremiah Bray, Cassie (Christian) Sobczynski, Stephen (Carissa) Buchanan, and Eric (Hannah) Buchanan. She was also blessed with many great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.

Known for her boundless happiness and the way she loved everyone she met, Geraldine's presence was a gift to her family, friends, and neighbors. She loved cooking and believed no one should ever leave her table hungry—if you did, it was your own fault, for she always had plenty to share. She found joy in making ceramics, especially around Christmas, delighting in giving her creations to those she loved.

Music was another source of happiness in her life. She enjoyed all kinds—especially country music—but her family fondly remembers when her grandson Dan played her some Metallica and she surprised everyone by saying it wasn't "that bad." She also had her quirks, like her steadfast refusal to drink milk or eat cheese, not out of allergy, but because "city dairy" could never match the taste she remembered from the farm.

Her family and friends will remember her as someone who radiated joy, cared deeply for others, and found beauty in life's simplest moments.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 2:00–8:00 PM and again on Monday, October 6, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, all at Solosy Funeral Home in Lincoln Park. Jeraldine will be laid to rest at Ferndale Cemetery.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and laughter that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.