Obituaries

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

Catherine M. Lowder

Catherine M. LowderCHARLOTTE - Catherine M. Lowder, 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. She was born in Asheville, NC on October 14, 1946, and was the daughter of James F. Lowder and Ruth H. Lowder. Cathy graduated from Hickory High School and...

Kate D. Welch

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...

Sally M. Monteith

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...
John T. Dixon

John T. Dixon

John T. DixonJohn Thomas Dixon was born in Leesburg, Florida on March 12, 1945 to John and Sarah Dixon. John passed away peacefully on March 28 at 81 years of age. Preceded in death by his parents John and Sarah and his brother Michael, John is survived by his brother...

William D. Rich

William D. Rich

William D. RichWilliam Donald Rich, 87, of Forest City, passed away on March 29, 2026, at The Greens of Lincolnton. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Patsy Hollifield Rich. William earned his master’s degree from Western Carolina University and worked in...

Laura J. Price

Laura J. Price

Laura J. PriceLaura Jane Richardson Price, 65, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed over at home on March 28, 2026. Mrs. Price was the daughter of the late Dr. Maurice Baker Richardson, DDS and the late Jane Murphy Carpenter Richardson. She graduated from...