Obituaries

Celebrate and remember those from our precious alma mater who have passed. We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends.

Catherine M. Lowder

Catherine M. LowderCHARLOTTE - Catherine M. Lowder, 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. She was born in Asheville, NC on October 14, 1946, and was the daughter of James F. Lowder and Ruth H. Lowder. Cathy graduated from Hickory High School and...

Kate D. Welch

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...

Sally M. Monteith

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...
Robert “Steve” Davis

Robert “Steve” Davis

Robert "Steve" DavisRobert "Steve" Davis, a native of Haywood County, passed away March 21 leaving a legacy of family, integrity, and service to Western North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Madison Davis, his mother, Maudie Buchanan Davis, and...

Doyle D. Stiles

Doyle D. Stiles

Doyle D. StilesDoyle Dean Stiles, 94, born 12-09-1931, passed away, Saturday, February 21, 2026 (also his Dad's birthday). Born to George and Fanny Stiles on East Hickory Knoll, in Macon County, NC. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Keith...

Brian S. Johnson

Brian S. Johnson

Brian S. JohnsonBrian Scott Johnson, of Fletcher, NC, was suddenly and unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord on February 14, 2026. He was a beloved husband, son, son-in-law, brother-in-law, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He is predeceased in death...