Obituaries

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

Catherine M. Lowder

Catherine M. LowderCHARLOTTE - Catherine M. Lowder, 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. She was born in Asheville, NC on October 14, 1946, and was the daughter of James F. Lowder and Ruth H. Lowder. Cathy graduated from Hickory High School and...

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...
Kenneth “Reid” Walters

Kenneth “Reid” Walters

Kenneth “Reid” WaltersKenneth Reid Walters Jr., known to all as Reid, passed away on May 6 after courageously living with a cancer diagnosis. Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he grew up, he carried the spirit of his home state with him throughout a life devoted...

William “Len” Suggs

William “Len” Suggs

William “Len” SuggsWilliam Len Suggs, 82, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Known for his unwavering faith and remarkable courage, Len met his final days with peace and ready to embrace his eternal home. Len was...

Joe C. Morrow

Joe C. Morrow

Joe C. MorrowJoseph Carroll Morrow, beloved teacher, principal, coach and church leader, died unexpectedly Monday, May 18. He was 93. Born at the family home in Bowlegged Valley on Feb. 6, 1933, he was the oldest child of Carroll and Velma Fincher Morrow. Joe grew up...