April 17, 2020

Buford Satcher was the sixth of ten children born to the late Willie Satcher and Ethel Bronson-Satcher on May 12, 1939, in Wiggins, Mississippi.

His early education was obtained in the schools of Picayune. Later he attended George Washington Carver High School, where he was an esteemed scholar and standout athlete, lettering in three sports—football, basketball, and track. One of the highlights of his high school sports career was leading the football team to a 64-0 record as the quarterback, and he proudly expressed this to anyone. As a proud graduate of George Washington High School, he was afforded the opportunity to obtain the coveted Crosby Scholarship which allowed him to further his education.

He began his post-secondary education at Alcorn State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Political Science and he also became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He continued his education and earned a Master’s Degree in that same field of study from North Carolina Central University. He culminated in his studies with a Doctorate Degree in History, with an emphasis on African American Studies, from Oklahoma State University. It was here that he discovered his love of education and he knew in his heart he wanted to be an educator. This began a 40 plus year career in education starting at Nugent Center High School in Benoit, MS and included stops at his beloved Alcorn State University on two occasions, Mississippi Valley State University, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He finished his teaching career at his beloved Alcorn State University.

Aside from being an educator, he was also an accomplished and published author. Most importantly, he was a devout Christian, who gave his life to Christ early and later went on to become an ordained minister. He attended East Jerusalem Baptist Church while in Picayune and later became a faithful member and Elder at Grace Evangelical Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

While teaching at Nugent Center, he met the love of his life, Patricia Hargrove. They wed on March 23, 1958 and enjoyed a 52-year union until his passing.

Dr. Satcher departed this life on Friday, April 17, 2020, at 8:42 a.m. He was preceded in death by his parents- Willie and Ethel Satcher; five brothers- Excel, Willie, Robert, Sim, Ernest; and four sisters- Cora, Susie, Mary, Stella.

Those left to celebrate and cherish his memories are: his devoted wife, Patricia; four sons, Grover (Wendy), Kwasi (Christina), Sedeki (Stephanie) and Jabulani (Ayanna); 13 grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives; many special friends; and a legacy of students impacted by his passion for teaching.

Pass through viewing will be Saturday, April 25, 2020 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Baylous Funeral Home- 300 N. Blanks Avenue, Picayune, MS 39466. Interment at New Palestine Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. under the direction of Baylous Funeral Home.