Dorothea E. Buchanan, 77, of St. Jacob, IL, born Sunday, April 27, 1947, in East St. Louis, IL, peacefully ended her earthly journey on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.
Dorothea was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, IL. She retired from Triad Schools after many years as a beloved school bus driver. A lifelong racing enthusiast, she found joy in NASCAR, IndyCar, and local dirt track racing from an early age, sharing a special bond with her father by watching the Indy 500 together each year until his passing.
Dorothea and her husband Jim shared a love story that inspired everyone who knew them. Together, they traveled to legendary racetracks like Bristol, Talladega, and Indianapolis, where the roar of engines was music to her ears. She was also a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan, proudly commemorated with a brick at the stadium alongside her dear friend Judy.
Active and adventurous, Dorothea played softball in an over-40 league for many years and cherished camping trips and family travels around the country.
More than anything, Dorothea treasured time with her grandchildren, attending their activities and celebrating their achievements. They, along with her husband Jim, were truly the pride and joy of her life. To know Dorothea was to know her fierce, unwavering love for her family.
Dorothea was preceded in death by her parents, Edward A. and Gertrude M. (nee Lawson) Summers; her brother, Edward; sisters, Marie (Wayne) and Roberta; sister-in-law, Shirley (Phil); and her in-laws, James Sr. and Mary (nee Yost) Buchanan.
She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, James Buchanan Jr., whom she married on July 13, 1968, in Belleville, IL; daughters, Rebecca (Arthur) and Jennifer (Ray); son, Scott (Sandra); grandchildren, Logan, Mia (Monroe), Nathan, Natalie, Lara, Aston, Morgan, and Valentino; great-grandchildren, Payson and Lyla; brother, Jim (Laura) sister-in-law Flo and her cherished pup, Dori Violet. She is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern IL, 305 S Illinois St, Belleville, IL 62220 or Illinois Center for Autism, 548 S Ruby Ln, Fairview Heights, IL 62208. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com.
Visitation for Dorothea will be held 10 am to 11:30 am on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Aebischer-Richeson Funeral Home, St. Jacob, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, May 1, at Aebischer-Richeson Funeral Home, St. Jacob, IL with Rev. Tim Lewis officiating. Interment will be in Keystone Cemetery, St. Jacob, IL.
