Kate D. Welch

Kate Deitz Welch, 91, of Bryson City peacefully passed from this earthly life on June 6, 2026, at home with her family present. Kate was born March 15, 1935, to the late Hoyle and Inez Deitz of Dillsboro. She graduated from Western Carolina University in 1957 and began a teaching career at Swain County High School that covered more than 30 years. She married John Dwight Welch, and they raised three sons providing a college education to each. After retirement from teaching, she became active in the community as a long-time member of the Bryson City Board of Aldermen and served as Mayor Pro Tem. She also served on the Southwestern Community College Board of Trustees and the Great Smokies Mountains National Park Historical Association. Kate was active with her friends and family and was a member of the First Baptist Church. A private burial service was held. A Celebration of Life is being planned for the near future.

Kate loved her family, her friends (who are too numerous to mention), travel, God’s Creation, and coffee. She lived life on her terms and was able to finish it in the place she wanted to be, her home.

Kate was preceded in death by her husband, her three siblings including Dorothy “Dot” Matthews, and her niece, Cheryl Matthews Nooe. She is survived by her three sons, John (Carol) of Winston-Salem, Mark of Dillsboro, and Gregg (Beverley) of Garner. She has four grandchildren, Sarah Welch (Matt Duberstein) of Greensboro, Joshua (Natalie) Welch of Boiling Springs, SC, Adam (Samantha) Welch of Raleigh, and Leah Welch of Raleigh. She has three great grandchildren. Other survivors include nephew Eddie Matthews (Laura) of Atlanta and his family and Bruce Nooe, nephew in-law of Eden and his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 20 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall. All family and friends are invited.

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Kate D. Welch

Kate D. Welch

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