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...
Zach K. Adams

Zach K. Adams

Zach K. AdamsMr. Zachary Kendall Adams, 25, of Mount Airy, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Mr. Adams was born in Forsyth County to David Adams and Karen Adams Jolley. Zach possessed a contagious smile and a warmth that made others feel...

Richard “Steve” Reese

Richard “Steve” Reese

Richard "Steve" ReeseRichard Steven (Steve) Reese was born on November 10, 1938, in Kannapolis, NC and passed on February 15, 2026, at Novant Hospital, Huntersville, NC. He was the son of the late Shirley Thomas (Sherrill) Reese and the late Hettie Louise Cadell...

Paul N. Wright

Paul N. Wright

Paul N. WrightPaul Newton Wright was Promoted to Glory on February 25, 2026, and is now in the presence of the Lord. He was born on October 17, 1936, to the late Jasper Newton and Florence Holt Wright, in what would be his lifetime residence. He was preceded in death...