Suzanne McSmith Buckingham
Suzanne McSmith Buckingham, 70, was called Home on May 6, 2021. Suzanne was a woman of God whose path of Christian service began as an eleven-year-old when she sang with her parents Dwight and Audrey McSmith (both deceased) in churches throughout Virginia. As a teenager, Suzanne was a very active member of Youth For Christ where she was a Bible Quiz Champion. She attended William and Mary and was active in various campus ministries, the Woman’s Chorus and The William and Mary Choir. At W&M, Suzanne also met the love of her life, Lytle Buckingham, and they were married after her graduation in 1972. Suzanne was both a model schoolteacher and an incredible preacher’s wife. She was a shining example of Christian love and generosity who was never too busy to help anyone in need, offering her time, skills, home, and most of all, her listening ears and prayerful heart. Suzanne continued to share her musical talents as a choir member, choir director, accompanist, and soloist as well as a Bible study leader and Sunday school teacher. She was a founding member of the Virginia Baptist Women’s Chorale, a member for 34 years, and its past director. She was the first part-time church musician to be honored as “Virginia Baptist’s Musician of the Year.” Suzanne battled cancer and won in 2000, but she lost her sight and much of her hearing as a result. She never lost her spirit or her faith in the Lord’s plan for her life. Her miraculous recovery from cancer became a part of her story of God’s grace and mercy. She continued to play the piano, guitar, and sing with her unmistakable voice. During this most recent illness, Suzanne continued to inspire and uplift those around her. Her prayers and daily devotions never wavered, and she expressed her faith in God through her talents, her selfless concern for others and her joyful witness. Suzanne is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years: James Lytle Buckingham; her loving children, and their spouses: Nancy Buckingham Savedge and David Savedge of Shacklefords; James Lytle Buckingham Jr. and Liza Buckingham of Mattaponi; her brother, Dean McSmith and his wife Sharon McSmith of Hampton; her sister-inlaw: Mary Buckingham Lipsey and her husband Chris Lipsey of Springfield; and her granddaughter: Loren Savedge; and nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. There will be a private interment service for the family at Olivet Baptist Church, Mattaponi, Virginia, where she and Lytle had become active members upon their retirement from the Ministry. A Memorial Celebration Service for the public will be scheduled for the late summer. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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