A Tribute to Buren Haggai

Buren Haggai, wife of IGA Chairman Emeritus Dr. Thomas S. Haggai, passed away on July 4, 2024 at the age of 87. Buren and Dr. Tom spent nearly half their lives in service to the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) through Tom's work first on the IGA board, then through his role as chairman and CEO. Tom preceded Buren in death on March 27, 2020.

Born April 8, 1937, in High Point, North Carolina, Buren Cashatt Haggai was the daughter of the late C. Austin and Ethel B. Cashatt.

Buren graduated from Jamestown High School in 1955, was employed by High Point Bank and later by Alderman Studios, which led to several photographic modeling opportunities. She later managed the family restaurant where area patrons were drawn not only by great meals, but also Buren’s energetic personality and natural beauty.

Buren and her husband, Tom, were married on August 25, 1971, as Tom transitioned from Emerywood Baptist Church’s pulpit to embark on an emerging career as a motivational speaker and business entrepreneur. She helped manage Tom’s business affairs and the THA (Tom Haggai & Associates) scholarship foundation from their High Point office, along with Tom’s executive assistant, Mary Helen Potts.

Buren and Mary Helen formed a sister-like bond while working together for more than 45 years. Those close to the family would agree that it took two intelligent and headstrong women, working in lock step, to keep Tom on task.

Buren spent her childhood attending Mitchell’s Grove United Methodist Church in High Point. In recent years Buren and Tom attended Jamestown United Methodist Church where they participated in the Austin P. Fortney Sunday school class.

Buren was gracious, independent, kind, feisty, and quick witted. She and Tom often traveled abroad together; however, Buren’s top priority was raising her children in Jamestown. She was generous with her time and resources and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was an avid tennis player who often paired with Tom and well-known professionals for doubles exhibition tournaments. She loved playing favorite hymns on her piano which she continued to do just days before her passing. She epitomized, “Once a friend, always a friend” as demonstrated by frequent gatherings with her Jamestown ‘lunch bunch’ friends who continued to stay in touch for decades after graduating high school.

In addition to her parents, Buren was predeceased by her beloved husband of 48 years, Dr. Thomas S. Haggai; and her brothers, Alvin Cashatt and Ralph Cashatt.

Buren is survived by her children: Janice Drimer (Joe), Janie Dixon (Mike), and Allan Haggai (Beth); step-daughter, Chris Haggai; seven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Tom and Buren Haggai hold Macey.

A unique memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, July, 12, 2024, at Jamestown United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. David Greene officiating.

A gathering and reception with hors devours will follow in the church fellowship hall for all who wish to gather and celebrate the lives of Buren and Tom. Due to COVID-19 public gathering restrictions in force during the passing of Tom Haggai on March 27, 2020, the family wishes to appropriately honor the memory of both Buren and Tom.

The family is grateful to staff members at Hospice of the Piedmont for their attentive and tender care over the past two weeks.

For more information on the memorial service, please click here.

For information on Dr. Tom's legacy at IGA, please click here; to see the tribute to Dr. Tom, click here.