Birdene Buchanan Owen

Birdene Buchanan Owen was born in 1937 in Jackson County, North Carolina, and was called to her eternal home on March 1, 2025 at the age of 87. She was the daughter of Bonnie and Raymond Buchanan and a lifelong resident of the county, having been born and raised in the East Fork community. A graduate of Webster High School, she later worked for the Buster Brown Apparel Plant.

Birdene eventually settled in the Barkers Creek community. She could often be found tending to her garden and yard, and visitors to her home were always welcomed with fresh vegetables she had lovingly canned. She was well known for her daily walks with her best friend, always pausing to greet neighbors along the way.

Affectionately called "Nanny Bird" by her grandchildren, Birdene created a home filled with love, laughter, and sweet treats—where candy was always in the cookie jar and ice cream waited in the freezer. Her infectious smile and giggle will forever be remembered. Birdene embodied the definition of an Appalachian woman—resilient, resourceful, and deeply rooted in tradition —leaving behind a legacy of love and strength within her family.

She will be deeply missed, but forever remembered by her daughter, Diane Smith Melton; her sisters, Leva Mae King and Margie Smith (Ed); her grandchildren, Jason Wingate, Angela Littlejohn, Jamie Melton and Misty Moore; her eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Bonnie Buchanan and sister, Shelby Jean Buchanan.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Appalachian Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 12:30 p.m., following with burial services at East Fork Cemetery.