Beatrice Buffard

Beatrice Levern "Afi" Buffard, daughter of the late Henry Lee Buffard and Pearl (James) Buffard was born on April 3, 1954 in Paterson, New Jersey and was the oldest of two children. In 1962 her family moved to Teaneck, New Jersey where she was raised and lived until she moved to Atlanta in 1977. Afi was an educator and advocate for human rights, especially mothers and children. She also enjoyed being a videographer, photographer and considered herself a student of life. She graduated from Teaneck High School in June 1971 and after graduation attended Clark Atlanta University. She then continued her education by studying Journalism at Atlanta Junior College and learning behind the scenes camera skills at the local cable company. She graduated in June 1985 with her Associates of Arts degree. She later attended Georgia State University and was proud to have completed her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology in December 2010. In between her years as a student, Afi gained over 40 years as an early childhood educator working with various organizations; Save The Children, Quality Care for Children, Head Start and the CDC's daycare center. Afi dedicated much of her time to her community and was an avid volunteer for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and The Parish House. Afi was a lover of all people. She loved, nurtured, taught, shared wisdom and spoke life to others not only in her personal life but in every professional arena she worked in; volunteered with; and supported. No matter the age, Afi loved finding and creating teachable moments. Afi valued being an early educator and enjoyed her calling. Afi loved being an active member of her church and worked in the media ministry for many years. In June 2013 she made the decision to dedicate her life to the Lord and had the honor of being baptized at Hunter Hill First Baptist Church by Pastor C. Wimberly. Afi also truly enjoyed photography and was a very active member of the Sistagraphy organization. She took much pride in showcasing her photographs for exhibits and loved the sisterhood and community that she received from the fellow members. Anyone that knew Afi knew how much she loved music, going to the beach, traveling, enjoying Jamaican and Thai cuisine, and collecting giraffes. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Pearl Buffard and her Aunt, Lillie Mae Glass. Afi was an integral part of her neighborhood and her love and support to the many families over the years has sustained them through many ordeals. She was always there when they needed her. Those left to cherish her memory are: her son, Neiman (Jennifer) Buffard of Atlanta, GA; sister, Lori Buffard of Teaneck, NJ; aunt, Barbara Wheeler of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Norah and Nigel Buffard of Atlanta, GA; nieces, LaShante Buffard and Tiana Barclay of Atlanta, GA; great nieces Malai and Milan of Atlanta, GA; great nephew Jael Davis of Orlando, FL; and several cousins, godchildren, extended family and friends. The Buffard Family is being assisted by the Wimberly Funeral Home, Gainesville, GA. We wish to thank everyone for all of your love, prayers, support and other acts of kindness and sympathy during the celebration of our loved one. May God continue to bless all of you.

Beatrice Buffard

April 3, 1954 - November 3, 2021