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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Sharon P. Johnson

Sharon P. Johnson

Sharon P. JohnsonSharon Powell Johnson, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2024. Born on June 14, 1941, in Hendersonville, NC, Sharon was the daughter of James Reid Powell and Edna Love Powell. She was the cherished...

Michael C. Handley

Michael C. Handley

Michael C. Handley Michael Handley was born March 2, 1973, in Plantation, Florida, to Bill and Joyce Handley. Michael's family, which included an older brother, Billy, moved to Franklin, when he was in the second grade. He had a small-town childhood with neighborhood...

Elwin “Ed” Dalton

Elwin “Ed” Dalton

Elwin “Ed” DaltonElwin Edward “Ed” Dalton passed away peacefully at home at the age of 76 on Monday August 26th, 2024 surrounded by his daughters after a brief illness. He was born on January 30, 1948 to Edward Henry “Bud” Dalton and Betty Louise Thompson Dalton in...