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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Karen L. Wagar

Karen L. Wagar

Karen L. WagarKaren Louise Wagar (Pierce), 76 of Cumming, Georgia passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Born in Newton, Massachusetts, November 9, 1947 to John and Phyllis Pierce. While still young, her family relocated to Ft. Lauderdale,...

Dr. Lois S. DeWeese

Dr. Lois S. DeWeese

Dr. Lois S. DeWeeseDr. Lois Slagle DeWeese of Sylva, NC passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024. She was the daughter of Dr. Dick Slagle and Helen Field Slagle of Sylva. Lois was an educator at heart, earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of North...

Jason P. Mackel

Jason P. Mackel

Jason P. MackelJason Patrick Mackel, 49, of Fort Lauderdale, passed away on October 14, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with his wife of over 24 years by his side. In accordance, with his wishes, Jason has been cremated. A Catholic Mass and blessing of his remains will...