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...

Donna L. Payne

Donna L. PayneDonna Lynn Payne, age 73, of Asheville passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Donna was born on June 20, 1951, in Guilford County, North Carolina and was a resident of Buncombe County since 1973. She attended Brevard College for two years and...

Callie H. Smith

Callie H. SmithMrs. Callie Hamlin Smith, 89, of Siloam, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, January 9, 2025, at Central Continuing Care in Mount Airy. Mrs. Smith was born October 6, 1935, in Surry County, one of four children born to the late Richard “Dick”...

Elizabeth “Libba” Feichter

Elizabeth "Libba" FeichterElizabeth (Libba) Strain Feichter, 85, died peacefully at home on January 8, 2025, in Waynesville, NC. She was born on November 18, 1939, in Jackson, MS, to the late Haldane and Marylene Strain (née Ham). Libba graduated from McClenaghan High...