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...
Barabara P. Higgins

Barabara P. Higgins

Barbara A. HigginsNovember 17, 1941 - January 9, 2026 Barbara Ann Philbeck Higgins died January 9, 2026 at her home in Forest City. She was surrounded by her family and friends. She was the daughter of the late Hammond and Hazel Philbeck. Her Husband was the late...

Carolyn C. Dalton

Carolyn C. Dalton

Carolyn C. DaltonWith deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, sister, and friend, Carolyn Cavan Dalton, daughter of the late Hunter Davie Cavan and Martha Jean Everett Cavan. After a brief illness, she passed away peacefully at the age of 84, at...

Charlie H. Crawford

Charlie H. Crawford

Charlie H. CrawfordCharles “Charlie” Herman Crawford, Sr., age 89, of Asheboro, NC, passed away peacefully at home on January 6, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones. Charlie was born on March 22, 1936, in Asheville, North Carolina, to the late Herman Crawford...