Audria Mae Buckner

Audria Mae Buckner, Jr. entered into her rest after a valiant battle with a lengthy

illness on June 4, 2023 in Pomona, California. She was the third child born to Charles

Martin Buckner, Sr. and Audria Mae Buckner in Los Angeles, California on May 16,

1957.

Despite the trauma she experienced early in life, Audria grew to be a charismatic

and strong-willed child with a bubbly sense of humor. Her independent nature

would later serve as an inspiration to many throughout her adult years.

Known as “Audrey,” aka “Tati” aka “Tots” aka “Snak” aka “Tati the Terminator,”

Audria was the family sentinel, disciplinarian, protector, and guardian. Heaven help

the person who wronged or hurt one of Bucky’s clan. Number three of the six

Buckner girls she was bold, brash, fearless, and marched to the beat of a different

drummer. A free spirit, she lived her life out loud and unapologetically.

Audria attended Fremont High School and later became a student at Trade Technical

Community College both located in Los Angeles, California. An avid reader, she

consumed everything from magazines to cookbooks to medical journals. Learning

and gaining knowledge was her passion. Like her mother before her she never met a

stranger and would talk to just about anyone and hold a conversation about

anything. The facts she stored in her memory bank was absolutely amazing.

She was an extremely gifted artist who, unfortunately, doubted her ability and

eventually put her sketchbook aside. However her creativity found another outlet—

the kitchen. She loved to cook and prepare delicious meals for family and friends;

always sharing what she had with those she loved. She was known for her macaroni

and cheese and would always say, “I can hear when the macaroni and cheese is

done” convinced it made a particular sound when it finished cooking.

As an unashamed disciple of Jesus Christ, Audria shared her faith openly and often.

She was known to stop whatever she was doing to pray with strangers in public

places. And in spite of her personal sufferings, she had a remarkable gift for

encouraging others. Her passing leaves a void nothing can fill but the knowledge

that she is whole, happy, and free.

Audria is survived by her only child, daughter Toya Buckner; grandchildren Noel,

Kharee, and Savannah; sisters Carmen Shannon, Robin Smith, Twanda (T. Faye)

Griffin, Toni Sowell, and Paradise (“Lola”) Franklin; nieces Shanae, Jasmine, Bria,

Tyra, Brandy, Strajeé; nephews Andre, Jon, (J.J.), Justin, Mark Jr., Vincent (V.J.),

Jonathan, Brandon, Adoreé, and a host of grand nieces and nephews. She is preceded

in death by her parents, brother Charles Martin Buckner, Jr., niece Shawn Smith,

nephew Eric Sowell, and brother-in-law Andre Shannon.

A private family memorial service is planned.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/west-covina-cremation for the Buckner family.