Effie Buckingham

Effie Mae Buckingham peacefully transitioned to her new calling in the spirit world on Thursday, June 24, 2021. Her family left on earth includes the love of her life, Allen Thomas Buckingham; her dear sister, Nancy Koogler; her beloved children, Brandon Myles Buckingham, Trixee Lee-Ann Buckingham, Tiffany Geanéne Buckingham Barney; her persevering son-in-law, Paul T Barney; the prides of her life, Brandon Myles Buckingham Jr. (Ashley Vashon), Saffron Andreyevna Perov, Cameron Allen Barney, Ashlee Tracy Barney, and Brooklyn Tiffany Barney; and her great-grandchildren, Neveah Lynne Cook and Serenity Lynne Buckingham.

Effie was born in Fresno, California and spent most of her childhood in Ontario and Coos Bay, Oregon. She was raised by a very young mother, Mertie Irene Baldwin, and had several father figures in her childhood. Although she had many trials in childhood, she and her sister, Nancy Koogler, found stability and comfort with their beloved Aunt Ulene and Aunt Sylvia.

In her early high school years, she met Allen Buckingham, the love of her life. She always said, “I knew the moment I laid eyes on him; that’s the man I will marry.” They were married four years later on July 29th, 1967 in Ontario, Oregon and would be celebrating their 54th anniversary this July. Allen adored her and is living proof of the very definition of dedication. Many of the healthcare workers who cared for Effie commented, “Everybody needs an Allen.”

He loved her for a reason; Effie was a dynamic woman of many talents and made her mark here, upon the earth, by letting those talents shine brightly. The first and foremost talent was that of nurturer and protector of all living things, namely her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Struggling for years with infertility, Effie finally had her greatest desire fulfilled by becoming a mother through adoption of their oldest child, Brandon. Within three short years, she found herself to be the mother of three young children!

Effie had a gorgeous soprano voice which she shared throughout her life with her children, but also in choirs, theater, as chorister, and even in local commercial jingles. Equally, Effie was blessed with physical beauty and, for several years, was a professional model who gained international interest but chose to put her career aside to raise her young children. Instead, she became an entrepreneur caterer, opening her own cake shop, Special Occasions Cakery, in Oregon where she could control her work hours and spend time with her children. Often, her youngest daughter could be found sitting under the counters there.

When the family moved to Utah, Effie shifted her business focus to wedding planning and catering and opened Bridal Designs by Effie, where she appealed to a clientele of individuals who might not be able to afford a reception hall and may not have the ability or time to take on such tasks themselves. As she was getting her business up and running, she would take on various part-time jobs including receptionist and school lunch worker.

That move to Utah came about after what would seem like a major life change, but her friends called her a “dry Mormon” meaning she already lived as members of the church do but wasn’t yet baptized. As a woman of great faith, Effie was the first in her family to find the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and she immediately took on the role of missionary to share the gospel with her family. After a year of patiently waiting for Allen to accept the teachings, they were baptized and, without hesitation, she jumped into a lifetime of service as Relief Society president, primary teacher to children (coming up with ideas to help special needs children), primary music leader (creating amazing artwork posters with her oldest daughter to keep the children engaged), young women’s leader, activity leader to young girls, camp leader, ward newsletter writer (back in the days of electric typewriters), activities chairperson (putting on remarkable themed dinners and parties for her ward), emergency preparedness specialist, and temple worker (which she considered to be the most important of all).

Effie’s faith carried on to her conversations with her family, friends, and with strangers as well. She spent hours reading to learn as much as she could about the gospel of Jesus Christ and would share that reading with her children and even her children’s friends. She was often found talking to someone she had never met and sharing her testimony of her Savior, of the restored gospel, and of the blessings of the temple. She would share her experience of bringing her family to the Seattle temple on June 12, 1982, to be sealed together for time and all eternity and of the special spiritual witnesses she received during her time in the temple.

Effie knew that the Savior cared deeply for children, and this was where she was able to emulate Him most. She cared for numerous children over her lifetime including relatives, neighbors, and underprivileged children who would show up at her doorstep for baths, clean clothes, and a meal.

Many will remember Effie fondly as the lady with the “mupcakes” and other yummy treats always available by just knocking on her door.

She was a woman who overcame many trials in her lifetime, but who had confidence in her abilities, practed her talents, had faith in her Savior, and had a great love and empathy for children. No matter how any of us came to know Effie, her imprint on our lives will never be forgotten.

Private family viewing and cremation will take place early in the week.
Please join the family for visitation, condolences, and funeral services. Friday, July 2nd, 2021 1:00 pm-1:45 pm Visitation and Condolences (Relief Society Room) 2:00 pm Funeral Service (Chapel) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 790 West 1500 South, Woods Cross, Utah 84087. Live-stream link to funeral service: https://youtu.be/7BMwAHyRwrM

Notes and flowers can be sent to: Allen and Effie Buckingham, 751 West 1400 South Woods Cross, Utah 84087