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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John L. Bassett

John L. Bassett

John L. BassettJohn Lewis Bassett “JB”, age 69, of Southern Pines, NC passed away on September 16, 2024. John was born in Philadelphia, PA, September 20, 1954 to C. Gregory Bassett Jr. and Berneice Byrd Bassett. John was a graduate of Western Carolina University and...

Jeremy C. Angel

Jeremy C. Angel

Jeremy C. AngelJeremy Chad Angel was born to Larry and Brenda Angel on Aug. 27, 1976, in Macon County. He grew up in the Cullasaja community, attended Cullasaja Elementary and was a member of Cullasaja Assembly of God. Jeremy's curiosity and fearlessness sometimes got...

Ted M. Yoder

Ted M. Yoder

Ted M. YoderTed Murray Yoder wasn’t just a participant in life—he orchestrated it like a grand narrative, rich with family connections, political debates, and, of course, his beloved WCU Catamounts. Born in 1954, Ted’s true "era" was whenever there was a lively...