The family of Joy Elizabeth Buchanan of Oklahoma City, OK announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
These few paragraphs cannot hold a life, but they may carry a memory.
Quiet kindness echoes longest.
Joy Elizabeth Buchanan (Gibbons)
August 16, 1960 – May 3, 2026
Joy Elizabeth Buchanan, lovingly known as "Joy" and affectionately called "Joybells" by her immediate family, and "Mama Ju" by her grandchildren passed away on May 3, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was born on August 16, 1960, in Corning, California.
Joy was a woman whose life was defined by love, faith, creativity, and connection. In her early years, she followed her passion for teaching and poured her heart into her students at North State Christian School, where she taught children of all ages. She deeply loved and cared for them, finding joy and fulfillment in shaping young lives and encouraging them with patience and warmth.
Later, Joy pursued her longtime profession as a cosmetologist-often referring to herself lovingly as a "beautician." For nearly 40 years, she helped others feel like their most beautiful and confident selves. She took great pride in enhancing natural beauty and, along the way, formed countless friendships that lasted a lifetime. She was also known for her practical, direct, and solution-oriented nature-often stepping far outside of hairstyling itself to help clients with everyday challenges and offering grounded advice wherever she could.
Joy was also a gifted musician. She loved playing piano and singing, especially worship music. She could often be found singing throughout her day, and she especially enjoyed leading worship. Her faith in Christ was deeply personal and enduring, and she carried that relationship with her through every season of her life.
She was known for her vibrant personality and unforgettable style. Joy was especially recognized for her "high hair" – her signature 80s-inspired volume and flair-and she carried a lifelong, unmistakable love for high heels. She wore them with pride and confidence in every season of her life, making them part of her personal signature. She embraced beauty and expression in everything she did, blending elegance with boldness in a way that was uniquely her.
Joy also had a deep love for her two beloved dogs, Sasha and Bella, who were cherished companions in her daily life. She found comfort in simple pleasures, including watching Sherlock Holmes shows and listening to both worship music and 80s rock and roll.
She is survived by her daughters, Kaci L. Buchanan and Jennifer E. Taylor; her grandchildren, Jarek Butler, Desiree Butler, and Cheyenne Taylor; her mother, Beverly Gibbons; and her siblings, Tim Gibbons; Karin Hurry, Jeanne Valois, and Kirk Gibbons.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Roger Lee Buchanan, as well as her father, Roger Lynn Gibbons.
Joys passing was unexpected, and her family is navigating this loss with both grief and gratitude for the love and support surrounding them.
A graveside service will be held at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The service will also be streamed live via Zoom for those unable to attend in person.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be deeply grateful for contributions toward final expenses. Any support during this time is sincerely appreciated. Contributions may be made via Venmo, check, or Apple Pay to Joy's daughter, Kaci Buchanan (Kaci-Buchanan).
Joy's life was one of devotion to her family, her work, her faith, and the people she touched along the way. She will be remembered for her warmth, her humor, her strength, her music, and the beauty she brought into the lives of others.
