Obituaries

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

Dr. Michael Willis

Dr. Michael Bryson Willis, 69, of Franklin, NC, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026. A native of Macon County, Michael was born to the late James Garland Willis and Sue Ann Bryson Willis. He dedicated his life to music education, inspiring countless students...

Sherry F. Ginn

Sherry Fox Ginn passed away on October 20, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on July 4, 1944, she lived a life of service, care, and dedication to others. Sherry was a graduate of Swain County High School and later earned a master’s degree in education from Western...

Ellen Nuzum Wetmore

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ellen Nuzum Wetmore, 75, of Pauline, SC. After a 23 year battle with cancer, Ellen passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026 at the SRI Hospice Home, surrounded by family. Born May 15, 1951, in Newton, NC, she...

Betty G. Edmonds

Betty G. EdmondsBetty Gragg Edmonds, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and educator, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, at the age of 89, surrounded by her loving family in the home of her daughter, Susan, and son-in-law, Jim, in Newland, NC. Born on...

Sarah M. Altman

Sarah M. AltmanSarah Martha Carmela Altman (nee Busa), 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Franklin, N.C. Born on Sept. 11, 1944, in Baltimore, Md., Sarah lived a life of dedication to education, creativity and service to her community. Sarah earned...

Bryan A. Hiatt

Bryan A. HiattMr. Bryan Agee Hiatt, age 67 of Tobaccoville, NC, passed away at his home on Wednesday January 29, 2025. He was born February 8, 1957, in Surry County to Vestal Agee Hiatt and Wilma Lee Jarrell Hiatt. He was a graduate of North Forsyth High School in...