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...

JoAnn P. Holman

JoAnn P. HolmanJoAnn Holman passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, in Vero Beach, Florida. JoAnn was born on September 12, 1932 in Brevard, North Carolina to parents Clarence Poole and Maude Bryson Poole. In 1953, pursuing a career as an educator, JoAnn received a...

Martha G. Vaught

Martha G. VaughtMartha Gibson Vaught was born on July 4th, 1935, to Roy and Eva Gibson in Hayesville, NC, a place she often remembered as having no electricity. She was the 3rd child in a family of six, the 2nd daughter having passed away in infancy. Martha moved to...

Pamela “Pam” B. Riddle

Pamela "Pam" B. RiddlePamela Burton Riddle of Hogansville, GA passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the age of 78. Pamela “Pam” was born November 25, 1946, in Asheville, NC, to the late Harold Proffitt and Doris Gunn Burton. She attended Cane River High School...