Brenda (Buchanan) Smith, 70, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully at 5:49pm on Thursday January 22, 2026, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital.

Brenda was born on December 19, 1955, in Fairfield, IL, to Carroll and Velma (Jelley) Buchanan. She was an FCHS graduate, class of 1974, who returned to Wayne County in 2023 after many years living and working in the Boston Massachusetts area.

She is survived by her mother Velma Bunting of Fairfield, her brother Jerry (Becky) Buchanan of Cane Ridge, TN, a niece Allie Buchanan, two aunts Eva Lane of Fairfield, and Judy Jelley of Cisne, an uncle Willard Simpson of Franklin Grove, IL, and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father Carroll Buchanan.

There will be no formal services or burial at this time. Memorial donations may be made to Feed my Sheep Soup Kitchen in Fairfield and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of cremation arrangements.

Feed My Sheep Soup Kitchen
200 W. Main St, Fairfield IL 62837