[1] She was educated at Ann Smith Academy, Lexington, and Wesleyan Female Institute, Staunton, Virginia.
Buckner was elected general secretary of the Union in July 1917, and since that time, the society came into special prominence through its work in the United States Public Health Service Hospitals and other places where sick and wounded former service men and women were cared for.
The names of sick soldiers and sailors were put in capsules and given to girls who agreed to play Pollyanna to their "Capsule" for 30 days, sending some little reminder to the invalid every day, such as letters, candy, cake, fruit, or anything that would cheer the monotonous life of a hospital patient.
A similar game, called "Daddy Long Legs", was inaugurated for sick nurses.
She was also a field secretary for the Anti-Saloon League of North Carolina, and was active in reporting violations of the Prohibition laws.