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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Zack J. Schneider

Zack J. Schneider

Zack J. SchneiderThis scholarship honors the memory of Zachary Schneider, a 2023 graduate of Western Carolina University who passed away on August 17, 2024. Raised in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Zack was a lifelong learner and creative individual. His passion for...

Linda J. Tinsley

Linda J. Tinsley

Linda J. TinsleyLinda Jones Tinsley passed away peacefully at 6 a.m., Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her son, Jason (Tracy) Pope; daughter, Crissy Pope; granddaughter, Rachel Pletcher; grandson, Eric Sobecki; and siblings,...

Jane V. Reece

Jane V. Reece

Jane V. ReeceJane Vernon Reece of Zephyrhills, Florida, passed away on September 3, 2024. Jane was the daughter of May Mitchell Reece and Vernon Lewis Reece of Cramerton, NC. After graduation from Cramerton High School, Jane continued her education at Presbyterian...