Helen Ann Rutledge Buchannan was the daughter of the late Rufus Heard and Mandy Heard. She was born on June 21, 1959 and departed this life at the age of fifty-three on April 27, 2013. She was a kind hearted and loving person who took care of everyone.

At an early age, Helen joined Greater Jehovah Baptist Church in Grantville, Georgia.

In 1975, Helen was united in holy matrimony to Leon Buchannan. Together they nurtured three children: Leon Buchannan III, Latasha Rhodes and Stacey Mitchell (Marvin Mitchell).

She leaves to cherish her memory: seven sisters and one brother, Brenda Sewell (Randy), Annette Heard Massengill, Michelle Heard, Evelyn Heard, Melessa K. Heard, Rufus Heard (Tangie), Melinda Heard and Sophia Ballard (Larry); eight grandchildren, Takia Rhodes, Taneshia Buchannan, Triston Buchannan, Asha Buchannan, Selena Buchannan, Marvin Mitchell, Jr., Martez Mitchell and Marcus Mitchell; three sisters-in-law, seven brothers-inlaw, a host of other relatives and friends.