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

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...

Philip D. Buchahan

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...
Judy R. Ledford

Judy R. Ledford

Judy R. LedfordJudy Ledford, 89, of Asheville, NC passed away on August 24, 2025 in Asheville, NC. Born on September 17, 1935 in Tryon, NC to the late Leslie Clyde Reynolds and Francis Reynolds. Judy was a proud graduate of Western Carolina University, later teaching...

Vincent “Frank” Jones

Vincent “Frank” Jones

Vincent "Frank" JonesVincent Frank Jones gained his wings to match the crown he already wore Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. He was born on Dec. 7, 1942, to Sam W. and Vencenia Jones. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and community member, Frank enjoyed playing on his...

Mike F. Gregory

Mike F. Gregory

Mike F. GregoryNAPLES, FL - Michael Fitzgerald Gregory, 59, of Naples, FL, formerly of Asheville, NC and Andrews, NC passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mike graduated from Andrews High School in 1984 and obtained his degree...