Mrs. Sandra Faye Buchanan Merry-Woods

Mrs. Sandra Faye Buchanan Merry-Woods was born on March 31, 1949, the sixth of eleven children to Mr. James Buchanan and Mrs. Junetta Parker Buchanan, who both preceded her in death. Faye grew up in Jackson, TN and was educated in the Jackson City School System. She graduated from Merry High in 1967. James and Junetta highly valued family, community, diligence, and entrepreneurship. They instilled these values into their children and Faye embodied them in every area of her life. She could often be found working along side her mother in the family’s neighborhood store, Buchanan’s Grocery. In 1979, she was united in marriage to Roderick Joel Merry, Sr. To this union was born one daughter, Shayla T. Merry (Afoakwa) and she also opened her heart and home to a son, Roderick J. Merry, Jr. In the year 2000, Roderick Sr. preceded her in death. In 2011 she met Pastor James I. Woods and in November 2013 they married, creating a loving, blended family with Aaron, Andrew, Yvette, and Aric. Faye’s Christian journey began at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend L.R. Swenney. She dedicated her life to Christ at a young age and was known to raise her voice in joyous praise during service. She also participated in the Bible Band and faithfully attended Sunday School. Her commitment to Christ remained steadfast and the anchor of her life. As an adult, Faye served in several capacities in the local church as a member of New St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church alongside her husband, Pastor Woods. When he accepted the call to Pastor Johnson Grove Missionary Baptist Church, she lovingly served as First Lady. Faye found great joy serving in this role and took a special interest in working with the Youth and Women’s Ministries of the church. Faye was a master educator who viewed her career not just as vocation but as calling. She earned her BA in Education from Lane College in 1975 and her first teaching license in 1977. She went on to secure her Masters in Education from Union University in 1996. She took seriously the task of molding young minds and hearts. Her foundational motto on her teaching philosophy was, “I am firm but fair!” Her students resonated with this, often maintaining relationship with her well into adulthood. Faye’s career spanned over 30 years, teaching various subjects, her favorites being U.S. History and World History. She taught at several schools in the district including: South Side High School, Jackson Central-Merry High School, and Parkway Middle School. Despite “retiring” in 2012, she continued to work in several capacities in the Jackson-Madison County School System, including serving on the curriculum review board, tutoring, and substitute teaching. Over the last few years of her life, Faye courageously braved health challenges with a steadfast resilience and trust in Christ. During appointments and hospitalizations she could not help but connect with and oﬀer encouragement to her physicians and staﬀ, forging friendships all the while. On the early morning of August 18, 2026, the Lord called His daughter home and she entered into her eternal rest. Faye was the last surviving of her siblings and she was greeted in heaven by: Harold Buchanan, Dorothy Buchanan, James L. Buchanan Jr., Charles Buchanan, Wayne Buchanan, Leon Buchanan, Lloyd Buchanan, Harvey Buchanan, and Anthony Buchanan. Faye leaves to remember her with great love and fond memories: her husband, Pastor James I. Woods; her daughter, Dr. Shayla Merry-Afoakwa, MD (Benjamin); her son, Roderick J. Merry Jr. (Tamidj); her bonus children: Aaron Woods (Ryan), Andrew Woods (Casey), Yvette Nesbitt (Reginald), Aric Woods (Alanna); her beloved grandchildren: Layla Aseda, Nylah, Noah, Nicholas, Myles, Lola, Lincoln, Trey, Kennedy, Neveah, Naomi, Chandler, Kendall, Kyrstin, Triniti, Trejan; lifelong friend and bonus sister, Janice Fuller (Charles); her sisters-in-law: Sharon Buchanan, Jackie Buchanan, Kathy Buchanan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mrs. Sandra Faye Buchanan Merry-Woods

March 31, 1949 - August 18, 2026