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

by | October 29, 2026 | 1979, 1983, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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...
Read More

Sherry F. Ginn

by | October 29, 2026 | 1974, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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...
Read More

Ellen Nuzum Wetmore

by | October 26, 2026 | 1973, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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...
Read More

Bill Horne

Bill HorneWilliam “Bill” Horne Jr, age 81, went home to be with The Lord on Friday, September 29, 2023 surrounded by his family. Bill was born on May 23, 1942, in Swannanoa, NC. He graduated from Charles D. Owen High School in 1960 and attended Western Carolina...

Charlotte P Young

Charlotte P YoungCharlotte Pope Young, age 79, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully and at peace on Friday, October 6, 2023. Born December 12, 1943 in Charlotte, NC, she was the daughter of Jesse B. and Ruby (Turner) Pope. She married the love of her life, Louie...

James A Valkenaar Jr

James A Valkenaar Jr James (Jim) Valkenaar of Loudon, Tennessee passed away on October 3, 2003 after a twenty-year struggle with multiple sclerosis. Born in Oak Park, Illinois, the youngest of three children, he moved with his family to south Florida in the early...