Obituaries

Celebrate and remember those from our precious alma mater who have passed. We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends.

Kate D. Welch

by | June 12, 2026 | 1957, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Kate D. WelchKate 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...
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Sally M. Monteith

by | June 12, 2026 | 1941, 1955, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Sally M. MonteithSally Campbell, age 108, a Jackson County high school English and Journalism teacher for 34 years died at her home on Friday, June 5th. A native and lifelong resident of Sylva, she was the daughter of the late Sam and Ida Monteith and the wife of...
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Philip D. Buchahan

by | June 12, 2026 | 1966, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Philip D. BuchahanPhilip Dean Buchanan was born on Dec. 26, 1943 in the lovely town of Sylva in the North Carolina mountains to Thomas Dewey Buchanan and Inez Vesta Carver Buchanan. He attended Western Carolina University for his undergraduate work. Here, his...
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Elizabeth “Libba” Feichter

Elizabeth “Libba” Feichter

Elizabeth "Libba" FeichterElizabeth (Libba) Strain Feichter, 85, died peacefully at home on January 8, 2025, in Waynesville, NC. She was born on November 18, 1939, in Jackson, MS, to the late Haldane and Marylene Strain (née Ham). Libba graduated from McClenaghan High...

Bruce B. Burleson

Bruce B. Burleson

Bruce B. BurlesonBruce Baxter Burleson, born on November 24, 1953, in Hawaii, passed away at his residence on January 6, 2025, at the age of 71. A distinguished veteran, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with the United States Army 2001, following a notable career...

Betty J. Driver

Betty J. Driver

Betty J. DriverBetty Jackson Driver, 77, of Canton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 4th, 2025, at Haywood Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born on March 29, 1947, in Asheville, North Carolina to Earl and Rhea...