Gretchen Buchanan Leatherwood

Gretchen “GG” Buchanan Leatherwood, age 80 of Sylva NC, passed away on Saturday November 4, 2023. She was born on May 25, 1943, in Jackson County, to the late Burke Hobert and Gertrude Wooten Buchanan. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband William Harold Leatherwood Jr. and daughter, Theda Leatherwood Rudd.

Gretchen was a member of Deitz Memorial Baptist Church and was a teacher in the Buncombe County School District. She retired after 32 years from her career as an educator. “GG” was devoted to her family, friends, daily devotionals, “little ladybugs” and all of her beautiful flowers and everyone who knew her knows that she could always manage to make room for “just one more”. We are so grateful for the time we had with her and will always carry her memory in our hearts.

She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Delena Jay (Graeme) of Seattle WA; sisters, Myrtice Brooks (Joe) of Sylva, Audrey La Sante of Fredericksburg VA; brothers, Gordon Buchanan of Waynesville, David Buchanan (Jeanne) of Fredericksburg VA; grandchildren, Sadie & Keith Rudd, and their father, Haig Rudd; in-laws, Gail Revis of Sylva, Karen Ingram (Paul); and several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Appalachian Funeral Services, Sylva NC. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will follow at 3:00PM. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to United Christian Ministries or a charity of your choice.