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...

Marcia B. Moore

Marcia B. MooreMarcia Bird Moore, age 70, of Cullowhee, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. She was born on June 18, 1954, in Jackson County to the late Dr. Charles Wells Bird and Ellen Burnette Bird. She is survived by her mother, Ellen; her...

Geraldine B. Jackson

Geraldine B. JacksonJerry was born in Lexie, Mississippi, on February 14, 1933 to Versie Mae (Johnson) and Chancie Ray Breeland. She graduated from Lexie High School and Copiah-Lincoln Junior College on a basketball scholarship. After graduating she went to the...

Marian “Joyce” Dillingham

Marian “Joyce” DillinghamMarian Joyce Dillingham, 84, of Merritt Island, Florida passed away of a chronic lung illness on August 31, 2024. She was born in Swannanoa, North Carolina on January 20, 1940 to Charles Bleeker Dillingham and Geneva Margaret Rayburn. She...