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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David S. Rhea

David S. Rhea

David S. RheaDavid Scott Rhea, a cherished brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on August 17, 2025, in Gastonia, NC, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 29, 1962, in Kings Mountain, NC, David's journey through life was marked by his warmth and...

Nikki S. Henke

Nikki S. Henke

Nikki S. Henke Nikki Cheryl Smith Henke, 80, of Sylva, passed away on Thursday, August 28. Nikki was born on December 9, 1945, to the late Aldine Cash Smith and Frances Louise Staton. Nikki was a member of Lakeview Church of the Nazarene in Waynesville where she had...

Raymond W. Allen

Raymond W. Allen

Raymond W. AllenRaynold "Worth" Allen, III passed away August 11, 2025 in Montpelier, VT. Worth was born August 17, 1979 in Charlotte, NC to Worth and Charlain Allen. Worth grew up in Charlotte, a graduate of Myers Park High School in 1997. Worth graduated from...