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

by | June 12, 2026 | 1957, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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...
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Sally M. Monteith

by | June 12, 2026 | 1941, 1955, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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...
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Philip D. Buchahan

by | June 12, 2026 | 1966, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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...
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Joan M. Morrison

Joan M. Morrison

Joan M. MorrisonMrs. Joan Medford Morrison of Canton passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, at the age of 93. Born in March of 1932, she was the daughter of the late Joe D. Medford and Lucy E. Chambers of Iron Duff. She was the...

Eleanor W. Lofquist

Eleanor W. Lofquist

Eleanor W. LofquistCora Eleanor White Lofquist (“Ellima”) of Cullowhee, North Carolina, passed peacefully in her home, joining the love of her life, Henry (“Hennipa”) on January 9, 2026. Eleanor was born April 3, 1930, to Ray McLee and Carrie Pierce White in Lenoir,...

Jennings “Harold” Heatherly

Jennings “Harold” Heatherly

Jennings "Harold" HeatherlyJennings Harold Heatherly, age 84, who was born on April 6, 1941, passed away peacefully during the evening hours of Thursday, December 18, 2025. He was surrounded by family and friends in his home on Cold Creek in the Cruso Community of...