Joan Verlene Buchanan AKA Nanny, 70 passed away Wednesday January 3, 2024. She died peacefully at home. She was not alone as her BFF and Identical Twin, Joanne Mitchell was there by her side.
Joan leaves behind her 4 children, Theresa Wells (NC), Joseph Robinson, Charlotte Buchanan and Matthew Buchanan all of Providence, RI. She loved her children tremendously and would do anything to ensure they were happy and healthy. In addition to her children, she leaves behind her husband of 52 years, Joseph P. Buchanan of Providence, RI. Joan in her passing leaves behind her beloved Twin sister, Joanne Mitchell, brother Michael Curtis, sister Dianna Curtis, sister Elizabeth Curtis, brother Dewayne Curtis, brother Arthur LeBlanc, sister Nicole Curtis (deceased), sister Norma Curtis (deceased) and brother Amos Curtis (deceased). Joan leaves behind 18 grandchildren, Joanel Buchanan, Charnel Buchanan, Antwan Buchanan, Tiffany Buchanan, Justin Buchanan, Joseph Washington, Adryan Waite, Jasmine Washington, Leondra Williams, Leonard Williams III, Johnathan Buchanan, Matthew Buchanan, Marquis Buchanan, Stephanie Walker, Secure Robinson, Natalia Buchanan, Maribel Buchanan and Pedro Buchanan along with 25 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Born in Manchester, NH Joan or nanny as she was passionately called by family was the daughter of late Amos Curtis and Teresa Pippen. We could always count on Joan to be the life of any party with her infectious smile, witty sense of humor and superior dance moves.
Mrs. Buchanan worked for several organizations during her professional career including the State of RI, GED testing, private tutor as well as the MET school. She was an avid reader having books for every occasion including the bus, doctors appointments and one for the home. Her favorite authors were James Patterson, Danielle Steele and her beloved granddaughter Leondra Williams; but she would read books by any author she could get her hands on finishing a new book every 1 to 2 days.
Mrs. Buchanan has done several things over the years in her free time including being President of the Roger Williams Day Care Center, tutoring support, as well as a long standing member of her beloved bowling team “Saturday Survivors” for more than 20 years. Saturday’s became our cherished family time that has given us memories that we will cherish for years to come.
Joan enjoyed dancing, sitting in the corner with her twin Joanne cracking jokes with their “water bottle”, lifetime movies and BET show’s. Joan was not afraid to walk on the “wild” side in terms of fashion, whether it was her infamous hats, colorful purses, super skinny jeans or showing off her toes that were never pedicured.
Anytime there was a family event, music playing or a party, you could always find Joan on the dance floor and not alone because she was grabbing someone to dance with her.
She graduated from Central High School where she met the love of her life in Joseph P. Buchanan. You all know the saying opposites attract? I hope so because you couldn’t get more opposite than Joe Buck and Joan. Loud, outspoken, vulgar language and taking no prisoner attitude is guess who, yes Joe Buck. While Joan was more reserved and laid back you could count on her to give you a piece of her mind. There aren’t many people that could stop my dad from saying or doing anything except for Joan! She would say Joe, not today! Joe, don’t start your ish! Joe, don’t piss me off. And magically, he would stop but despite ALL they’ve been through, they held each other down ALL OF THE TIME! They were married as young kids and grew together, raised 5 kids together, took care of my grandmother when she was sick, helped take care of my uncle as well. She always took care of everyone without hesitation or question.
Joan had an amazing sense of humor and an amazing love for her family, she will be sorely missed but will always remains in our hearts for evermore.
A funeral service will be held Thursday January 11, 2024 at Keefe Funeral Home located on 5 Higginson Ave., Lincoln, RI 02865. Viewing Services will be from 9:00am - 11:00am; services will be from 11:00am -12:00pm followed by a Repass from 2:30pm - 6:30pm at The CV Club, 39 Grosvenor St. East Providence, RI.