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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Keith E. P. Payne

Keith E. P. Payne

Keith E. P. PayneOn Saturday, August 17th, Keith Payne, a husband, coach, father, and teacher passed away unexpectedly in his home due to a heart attack. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Payne, his son, Ben Payne, his daughter, Anna Payne, his father, Harry Payne,...

Cathy B. Moore

Cathy B. Moore

Cathy B. MooreCathy Brooks Moore, 61, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at her residence. Cathy was a life long resident of Jackson County and a daughter of the late Burnette and Carolyn Brooks Green. Cathy was a graduate of Sylva Webster High School and she...

Sheila J. Harper

Sheila J. Harper

Sheila J. HarperShelia Jane McMinn Harper passed away Saturday afternoon, July 13, 2024. She is survived by her daughter Kelly Dotson Roberts and son-in-law Charles "David" Roberts. Shelia was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Henry Mitchell McMinn and Julia Jane...