Obituaries

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

Henry B. Warren

Henry B. WarrenHenry Brown Warren passed away peacefully at home on February 23, 2026. We give thanks for the 78 years of his blessed life. Henry was born on May 31, 1947, to the late Claude Warren and the late Geneva "Petey" Brown Warren. He was raised among the...

Lorraine M. Royster

Lorraine M. RoysterLorraine Mattero Royster, 75, of Shelby passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at her home. Born in Cleveland County, on October 4, 1950, she was a daughter of the late James Armand Mattero and Evangeline Willingham Mattero. She was a graduate of...

Bill A. Melton

Bill A. MeltonWilliam Alexander Melton, Jr., affectionately known as Bill, was born on February 18, 1942, in Wadesboro, North Carolina. He was the beloved son of the late Lois and William Alexander Melton, Sr., and grew up alongside his brother, Bobby Lee Melton. From...
Gerald “Bob” Denny

Gerald “Bob” Denny

Gerald "Bob" DennyMr. Denny passed away at home with family on Tuesday, August 5th , 2025 at age 93 following an extended period of declining health. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Hill Denny; his son Blake; his son Scott and spouse Monica; his...

Louise W. Sowell

Louise W. Sowell

Louise W. SowellLouise Worley Sowell, 94, of Inman, died on July 31, 2025 at her home. A native of Canton NC, she was the  daughter of the late Robert Haskew and Mary Alma Tillery Worley and the wife of the late Joseph Huey Sowell. She was a homemaker and former...

Stephen R. Roberts

Stephen R. Roberts

Stephen R. Roberts Stephen Ricker Roberts of Whittier, North Carolina, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Thursday, July 24 at the age of 72. He was the son of Raymond (USN, WWII) and Glennie Roberts of Bryson City, and spent most of his life in Swain...