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...
Jackie P. Hawks

Jackie P. Hawks

Jackie P. HawksMr. Joseph “Jackie” Phillip Hawks, 77, resident of High Point, died January 10, 2026 at River Landing @ Sandy Ridge. He was born November 1, 1948 in Greenville, South Carolina, a son to Hoyt J. and Phyllis Janet Wall Hawks. At a young age his family...

Wayne H. Carson

Wayne H. Carson

Wayne H. CarsonBRYSON CITY - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Howard Carson, 85, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Born Oct. 16, 1940, in Swain County, Wayne was a lifelong resident of the area and most recently resided at Montgomery Senior Living...

Harriette S. Blanton

Harriette S. Blanton

Harriette S. BlantonHarriette Splawn Blanton, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 12, 2026. She was born on December 18, 1944, to Preston and Mary Lou Splawn and resided in Columbus, North Carolina....