Joan Nalley Buchanan

Joan Nalley Buchanan was born to Alexander and Ruby Teal in Thomaston, Ga on October 15, 1931 where she grew up. She attended Auburn University where she met her first husband Lavell (Bill) Nalley III. They lived most of their married life in Birmingham, Al where they attended Shades Valley Presbyterian Church for nearly 50 years. They had two children, Helen Nalley (married to Bill Nelson) and Michael Nalley (married to Sharon). After Bill’s passing in 1996 she married Russ Buchanan in 1998. They subsequently moved to Melbourne, FL where she resided at the time of her death on April 24, 2025.

Joan is the beloved sister of Keith Teal and Mary Robinson Ryals and her nieces Kim Teal Woods and Susan Robinson. Additionally, she is a loving grandmother to 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren with number 8 on the way.

Joan loved music especially classical music and church hymns. She played the piano and was in the original handbell choir at Shades Valley. She was an active biker, hiker, rollerblader and avid tennis player. She traveled extensively around the world and even hiked Machu Picchu at 85 years young after having both knees replaced. She also was a fabulous cook and was famous for her Brown Bag Apple Pie that was featured in Food and Wine magazine in the November 2024 edition.

Joan was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She was a special friend to all who knew her.