Ernest Buchanan

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39

Once again death has invaded the ranks of the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church and taken away our beloved brother, Ernest James Buchanan, a loving husband, a caring father, an amazing grandfather, a devoted brother, a wonderful uncle, a caring cousin, a loyal friend and a dedicated and dependable Usher of the church.

On Wednesday, April 7, 2021, Brother Ernest James Buchanan transitioned to his heavenly home surrounded by the prayers of his wife Dot, his children, brothers and sisters, family, and close friends at MediLodge Medical Facility of Rochester Hills in Rochester Hills, Michigan. 

Ernest James Buchanan, affectionately called “Buckwheat, Sunny Boy and Stalker” by his loving family and close friends was born to the Christian lineage of the late Gus and Mary Buchanan on Wednesday, January 10,  1945, in Lula, Mississippi.    

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Mary, his daughter, Shannon Marie “Boogie” Johnson, one son, Bart Mosby, his granddaughter, Erica Jordan, his beloved sisters, Rosie Sallie and Pearl Franklin, one brother, Oleander and his wife Willie Mae Buchanan, mother and father-in-law, Ruth “Bee” and Frank Jenkins, one sister-in-law, Mamie Jenkins and brother-in-law, Level “Boot” Jenkins. 

On December 25, 1989, he united in holy matrimony to his beloved wife, Dorothy Jenkins, and to this blended family of 15 children were born and became one.   

Brother Buchanan was a retired laborer and spent his pastime being a mechanic, tending to his garden, being on the fish bank fishing with his wife Dot, and spending time with his family and friends. 

Under the leadership of the late Rev. Emery Mack Varrie I, Brother Buchanan accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Personal Savior and united with the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, and served faithfully under the leadership of Pastor Carlton A. Lynch until his passing.    

After uniting in Christian fellowship with Pilgrim Rest, Brother Buchanan joined the Usher Board.  He was a well-respected usher and took this calling very seriously.  He did not tolerate any foolishness from anyone especially the children as he was always making sure that they were in the service and took pride in keeping the usher board meetings on point and timely when they would get off track gossiping on matters that he reminded them often that was none of their business.

Brother Buchanan loved going to church and looked forward to fellowshipping with the members.  He very seldom missed a Sunday morning service  – Pilgrim Rest was blessed to have Brother Buchanan as an usher and dedicated member of our church, and he will truly be missed.    

“Buckwheat” adored his family and loved his sisters and brothers and always enjoyed seeing everyone at the Buchanan family reunions.  Although fussing all the way through, he loved seeing his family coming together, it meant a lot to him.  He had a special love and relationship with his nieces and nephews and he truly loved his children and grandchildren.     

Brother Buchanan will forever be remembered in the hearts of his loving wife of 31 years, Dorothy who he affectionately called “Dot”,  (6) sons, Hubert Magsby by of Lula, MS; James and Bruce Brownlee of Springfield, IL; Michael James Johnson and Tyrone Davis both of Benton Harbor, MI; and Paul Kemp of South Bend, IN; (4) daughters Annie Mae Buchanan of Milwaukee, WI; Sunni Johnson of Kalamazoo, MI; Leslie Pratt of Battle Creek, MI; and Deitra Buchanan of Benton Harbor, MI; three loving stepchildren whom he loved as his own, son, Andre and his wife, Kenya Jenkins of Chattanooga, TN; and daughters, Danae and her husband, Robert Magee and Toni Jenkins all of Benton Harbor, MI; one loving sister, Luelissie “Lue” Buchana of Benton Harbor; four brothers, Gus (Lake) and his wife, Willodean Buchana, Dennis “Did” Buchanan and W.L. Buchanan all of Benton Harbor; and Sam Buchanan of Milwaukee, WI; one sister-in-law, Jeanette and her husband Charles Williams, and brothers-in-law, Lavern and Erinn Jenkins; 18 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, best friend, Otis “Pimp” Young, special nurse Helen Parker and his caregiver, his granddaughter, Alicia West.

“In life we have pleasures with our loved ones; we have sorrows and joy but thank God for the memories that death cannot destroy.”

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