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...
Ron E. Wimberly

Ron E. Wimberly

Ron E. WimberlyIt is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Ronald Erskin Wimberly (Ron), 78, on December 23, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and longtime business owner, Ron will be remembered for his quiet strength, his service to others, and...

Colleen C. Williamson

Colleen C. Williamson

Colleen C. WilliamsonColleen Crawford Williamson, age 73, of Waynesville, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 9, 2026. Born on August 14, 1951, in Haywood County, North Carolina, Colleen was the daughter of the late Jack Jefferson Crawford...

Doris J. Raper

Doris J. Raper

Doris J. RaperDoris Jean Shields Raper 92, of Murphy peacefully entered into her glorious heavenly home on Friday, January 2, 2026. Murphy has lost a beloved and giving lady who has been a blessing to our community and is greatly loved by everyone who knew her. Doris...