Annie Mae Buford

Celebrating the life of Annie Mae Buford, who soared into eternal rest on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the age of 67. Born in Prescott, Arkansas, on May 18, 1957, Annie spent her life radiating joy and warmth, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. A beloved resident of the Burstell and Okolona Communities, Arkansas, she took immense pride in her family and community.

Annie was a lifelong member of St. Clair Missionary Baptist Church, where she served tirelessly on the Pastor’s Aide Committee, with the Mission, on the Usher Board, and even as the church bus driver. Her unwavering faith and commitment to her church family were a testament to her spirit and character.

A proud graduate of Okolona High School in 1975, Annie dedicated an impressive 29 years and 8 months to her role as a laborer at Firestone, where her hard work ethic and attitude was admired by colleagues and friends alike. She was a dedicated mother to her boys, Dishawn, Wesley and Rafael.

Outside of work, Annie was the life of the party, known for her vibrant personality and her ability to connect with anyone she met. She was a lover of the blues and gospel music, which echoed through the halls of her home, filling it with laughter and love.

Annie cherished family time, relishing in games of spades, dominoes, and bingo, always with a friendly smile and a competitive spirit. Her love for puzzles and puzzle books kept her mind sharp.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce Buford, Sr., Pauline Buford; siblings, Melinda Mitchell, Sanoyce Buford and John Lewis Buford; her bother-in-law, Calvin Russell; and a sister-in-law, Melissa Buford.

Annie leaves behind a legacy of love with her three sons: Dishawn Bell (Deaidra) of White Hall, AR, Wesley Buford of Newport, AR, and Rafael Buford (Cynquala) of Fayetteville, AR. Each of them carries forward her spirit of joy and connection. She also leaves seven grandchildren; six sisters, Amanda Russell of Burtsell, AR, Paula Williams (Vernon) of Burtsell, AR, Natosha Williams of Little Rock, AR, Annie Pearl Golden pf Stamps, AR, and Cheryl Stuart of Stamps, AR; six, brothers, Bruce Buford, Jr. (Regina) of Hattiesburg, MS, Carl Buford of Moreno Valley, CA, Tony Buford of Riverside, CA and Charles Buford of Louisiana, as well as, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, the St. Clair Baptist Church Family, retired co-worker of Firestone, residents and staff of the Blossom of White Hall.

In tribute to her wonderful life, a public viewing will be held at Williams Funeral Home on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., followed by a Family Hour from 6;00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A home going service will take place at St. Clair Baptist Church in Burtsell on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., where all are invited to come together to honor her memory. Annie will be laid to rest at St. Clair Cemetery.

Annie Mae Buford will be deeply missed but joyfully remembered for her infectious laughter, loving spirit, and the countless lives she touched. Her legacy of love, joy, and community will continue to shine in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.