February 15, 1930 – March 16, 2017
Emma Ilene Buchan Lawless Buchan, 87, of Southern Pines, NC, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Moore Regional Hospital. Born on February 15, 1930 in Richmond, VA, she was the daughter of the late John Lee and Mary Parrish Lawless. Spending her childhood in Charlotte, NC, graduating from Coker University she was formally married to the late E.C. Griffith Jr. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church and the Junior League of Charlotte. She raised her children along with the rest of the neighborhood, ponies and stray dogs. A common sight would be many children sitting on the fence, waiting their turn to ride ponies. After marrying the late Ralph G. Buchan she moved her children, horses and dogs to North Wilkesboro, NC. As a member of North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church, she spent her time reaching out to others in need. After her husband died, she moved to Penick Village Retirement Community in Southern Pines with Abby, her little rescue dog. She joyfully continued her passion of loving and encouraging others. Emma was full of life, never meeting a stranger and was a dedicated friend. This amazing person will be remembered for her faith, love and compassion so freely given to her family and others. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Griffith of Southern Pines, NC; daughter Fran Hoots (Ron) of Rocky River, Ohio; son’s Ed Griffith III (Susie) of Swansboro, NC and Ralph Buchan Jr. (Judy) of Seattle,WA; five grandchildren, Alex Martone of Southern Pines, NC; Lauren Chaney (Rob) and Kathryn Hoots of Rocky River, Ohio, Cole Griffith (Hannah) of Columbia, SC and Locke Griffith of Chapel Hill, NC; four great grandchildren; sister Ann Grant (Jack) of Winston-Salem, NC., sister-in-laws Evelyn Lawless and Margaret Lawless. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary (George) Cooper and brothers, John Lee Lawless and Wilfred Lawless. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, April 1, 2017 at The Chapel at Penick Village, 500 East Rhode Island Avenue, Southern Pines, NC. 28387 The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Penick Village Foundation attn: Memorial Garden, 500 East Rhode Island Avenue Southern Pines, NC 28387 or Companion Animal Clinic Foundation P.O. Box 148 Southern Pines, NC. 28388. Boles Funeral Home