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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Patricia J. Robertson

Patricia J. Robertson

Patricia J. RobertsonPatricia Joy Calloway Robertson, age 90 of Lafayette, Louisiana, went on to her heavenly home on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Visitation and celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at Hixson...

Winston A. Riddle

Winston A. Riddle

Winston A. RiddleDr. Winston A Riddle, Ed.D, age 90, of Old Fort, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina with his family. Winston was born in Buncombe County, NC on February 19, 1935, to the late Pinkney Stuart Riddle...

Lee A. O’Neal

Lee A. O’Neal

Lee A. O'NealLee Adams O’Neal, age 59, of Oak Island, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Born on September 15, 1965, in White Pine, Tennessee, Lee was the beloved daughter of the late Edgar C....