Mona Trent Buchanan

Mona Lois Trent Buchanan of Glade Spring, Virginia born August 30, 1935, died unexpectedly on May 27, 2023, at home.

Mona is survived by her 6 children- Laura and Gary Bentzen of Kingsport , TN, Myrtle Buchanan of Abingdon, VA, Mary and Cliff Presley of Browntown, Virginia, Frank and Rebecca Buchanan of Emory, VA, Patrick and Colleen Buchanan of Glade Spring, VA, and Martha and Patrick McBride of Corning, NY; 14 grandchildren- Christian Bentzen, Rebecca Bentzen, Sarah and David Hunt, Emma and Hunter Wyatt, Tyler Presley, Campbell and Lyndsay Buchanan, Connor and Emma Buchanan, Maggie Buchanan, Adrienne McBride, Matthew Presley, Reid Buchanan, Grant Buchanan, Piper McBride, and Lochlan McBride; and was eagerly anticipating the birth of her first great-grand child, Jane Wyatt. Mona is also survived by siblings Peggy Mink, Johnny Trent, Angie Rasnic, and Mike Trent. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Hugh Trent, and mother, Ora Hopkins, husband, Frank Buchanan Jr., and siblings, Omer Trent, Sage Trent, Judy Yarber, Betty Collins. 

Mona was a dedicated educator for her entire life. Born in Hawkins County, TN, Mona was the first woman in her family to pursue higher education. Mona married Frank Buchanan in 1965, at which point she permanently settled in Glade Spring, VA. Frank and Mona spent their lives bringing new life into a 19th century farm home, which served as the backdrop for countless family meals, reunions, and meetings of local clubs, as Mona was always incredibly eager to open her doors with hospitality. 

Mona touched many students’ lives as a kindergarten teacher for 30 years. Very few people passed through Glade Spring and Meadowview elementary schools without receiving the special attention and love that Mona showed for all of her students. 

Mona was also an inspiring businesswoman. After the passing of her husband, Frank, in 1999, Mona took over the operations of Buchanan Investments, LLC, managing many residential rental properties and part owner of Holston Furniture in Meadowview, VA.

Mona was a beloved and engaged member of the community. She was an active member of the  Book Club, the Glade Spring Presbyterian Church Circle #3, Hands on Helpers and a frequent patron of the Glade Spring library. She was a generous craftswoman who crocheted countless blankets for community members who she felt were in need of extra love. She enjoyed her garden and outdoor spaces and worked pulling weeds until the day she died. More than anything, Mona was a loving matriarch of a large, very close-knit family. They are deeply saddened by her unexpected passing. 

Mona’s family will receive friends at Glade Spring Presbyterian Church in Glade Spring, VA, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 4:00 pm with Rev. Kevin Campbell and Rev. Tim Bird officiating. Followed by a burial at Rich Valley Presbyterian Church in Rich Valley, VA, the grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Glade Spring Presbyterian Church or Glade Spring Library.  

The family of Mona Buchanan is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.