Obituaries

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

Eugene Lee Manning, Jr.

Eugene Lee Manning, Jr., formerly of Kernersville, passed away on September 7, 2026 in High Point surrounded by his family. He was born August 13, 1959 in Charlotte to Gene and Jo Ann Manning. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Lee Manning and a sister,...

William Jeremiah (Jerry) “Coach” Hicks

William Jeremiah (Jerry) "Coach" Hicks, 84, of Marion, passed away at his residence on the morning of Sunday, September 13, 2026. Jerry was born in Cabarrus County, NC on March 2, 1942 to the late Thurman Hicks and Lenora Deese Hicks. He is also preceded in death by...

Gail R. Williams

Gail R. Williams passed away at Haywood Regional Medical Center on Sept. 4, 2026. Her brothers were present as well as Dez, her grandson. Gail was the daughter of Alan and Rowena Roberson of Louisiana. Gail went to school in Colorado Springs before moving to Tucson,...

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...