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

by | June 29, 2026 | 1968, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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...
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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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Richard L. Maiocco

Richard L. Maiocco

Richard L. MaioccoRichard Maiocco Jr. Obituary Richard L. Maiocco, Jr., 59, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on May 10th, 2026 after a hard fought battle with esophageal cancer, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to his family and...

Ollie A. Erwin

Ollie A. Erwin

Ollie A. ErwinAsheville- Oliver (Ollie) Allen Erwin, 92, of Arden, died Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Givens Estates Health Center. Born October 8, 1933 in Balfour, NC, Ollie was the son of the late Ernest Allee Erwin and Bertie Matthews Erwin. Ollie was preceded in death...

Jim R. Cleek

Jim R. Cleek

Jim R. Cleek Jim Cleek April 4, 1969 — May 6, 2026 Asheboro James “Jim” Ritenour Cleek, age 57, of Asheboro passed away on May 6, 2026 at Randolph Hospital. Jim was born in Asheboro on April 4, 1969 to Thornton and Martha Brantley Cleek, who preceded him in death. He...