Barbara Bender

Barbara Buchanan Bender, 75, passed away on November 15, 2025. She was born on July 23, 1950, in Lexington, North Carolina, to the late Anna Williamson Buchanan and Alex Buchanan III.

Barbara lived a life filled with curiosity, courage, and a deep appreciation for the world around her. She was an avid traveler who explored Patagonia, Australia, and made multiple memorable trips to Africa. Her dream was to visit all seven continents, and she was joyfully planning a journey to Antarctica—her seventh and final continent—in the coming year. Her adventurous spirit and love for discovering new places inspired everyone who knew her.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Benjamin Bender and wife Melanie, Joshua Bender; and her beloved grandchildren, Dylan and Alexis Bender. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Buchanan and her nieces, Heather Horton and husband Scott, and Susan Buchanan and husband James Schaffnit, all of whom cherished her deeply.

She will be remembered for her warmth, her thoughtfulness, and the love she shared so freely with her family and friends. Barbara’s legacy lives on in the stories she told, the places she explored, and the people she touched.

A celebration-of-life is planned, Saturday, December 13th, 10:00am at South Park Church, 3151 Apex Drive, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28211.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.