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

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...

Philip D. Buchahan

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...
Marian “Joyce” Dillingham

Marian “Joyce” Dillingham

Marian “Joyce” DillinghamMarian Joyce Dillingham, 84, of Merritt Island, Florida passed away of a chronic lung illness on August 31, 2024. She was born in Swannanoa, North Carolina on January 20, 1940 to Charles Bleeker Dillingham and Geneva Margaret Rayburn. She...

Paul J. Cosper

Paul J. Cosper

Paul J. CosperWith heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Paul Jeffrey Cosper, a cherished husband, devoted father, adored son, and beloved friend. Born on January 9, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, Paul's life was one of compassion, dedication, and...

Jerry W. Carringer

Jerry W. Carringer

Jerry W. CarringerJerry Wayne Carringer, a resident of Buford, GA, passed away on September 16, 2024, at Northside Forsyth Hospital at the age of 77 while surrounded by his family and friends. His passing was very peaceful as he knew that his future was secured in...