Sheila Jackson Buchanan

Shelia Jackson Buchanan departed this life on March 6, 2026. She was born April 28, 1945, at Burnham City Hospital, Champaign, IL, to the late Daisy Holt Jackson and Edwin R. Jackson.

Shelia's childhood was spent in Champaign, where she graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School, Franklin Jr. High School, and Champaign Senior High School. Her adult life was lived in Nashville, TN.

She married Oscar Lee Buchanan on July 29, 1981. They enjoyed over 15 years of marriage until his death in 1996.

She attended Tennessee State University and received a B.S. Degree in Social Administration. In her professional life, she was employed by the State of TN, Department of Children's Services as a Social Worker.

In this role, she was the first Black worker to have a white caseload. During her 38-year tenure with the State, she wore many hats, including Supervisor and Mentor in Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions. She served on the Foster Care Review Board and was a member of the Alliance of Black Social Workers. She was a member of the TSU Alumni Association and a life member of the NAACP.

Following her retirement, Shelia returned home to be near her family. She had four passions in life: 1.Traveling - she visited several countries in Africa, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean Islands; 2. The love of her dog "Ebonie”; 3. Working in her flower garden; and, 4. Going to the Casino. Her goal has always been to live and love life to the fullest. She will be remembered for her loving and generous nature and fondness for others. She took pride in being a person of her word and always said what she meant.

Shelia always said that all her fulfillments and attainments were attributed to God, who has been her strength when all else failed.

Shelia is survived by two sisters, Karen Roberson of Savoy, IL and Gina Jackson of Atlanta, GA; nephew, Brian Roberson; niece, Kim Roberson; three God children, Shewinna Holt, Raymond Crawley and Randy Crawley, Jr., all of Nashville, TN; and, a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Edwin Steven Jackson, and grandmother, Elsie Jackson.

Shelia requested that donations be made to either of the following organizations that she favored:

Tennessee State University Foundation

3500 John Merritt Blvd., Nashville, TN 37209

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital

501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Presence Home Care Provena Hospice

1501 Interstate Drive, Champaign, IL 61822

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