Obituaries

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

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...

Philip D. Buchahan

Philip D. BuchahanPhilip Dean Buchanan was born on Dec. 26, 1943 in the lovely town of Sylva in the North Carolina mountains to Thomas Dewey Buchanan and Inez Vesta Carver Buchanan. He attended Western Carolina University for his undergraduate work. Here, his...
Terry W. Baldwin

Terry W. Baldwin

Terry W. BaldwinTerry Baldwin, 82, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant of his community, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. Born on July 13, 1943, in Seaford, Delaware, Terry was the son of the late Elmer W. Baldwin and Nellie...

Doug S. Tallent

Doug S. Tallent

Doug S. TallentDoug Tallent, 79, of Asheville, NC, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with Multiple System Atrophy. He was born in Burningtown, a rural mountain community in Macon County and grew up in Franklin, NC. The...

Janie H. Shepherd-Wells

Janie H. Shepherd-Wells

Janie H. Shepherd-WellsJanie Haining Shepherd-Wells, age 92, a resident of Waynesville, NC and Winona, MS, passed away peacefully on January 29 at her home. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and educator who lived life fully. Born on...