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...
Linda J. Morris

Linda J. Morris

Linda J. Morris Linda Jones Morris, 86, of Sylva, North Carolina, passed away on June 3, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and passionate member of the Sylva community.  Linda’s life was filled with the world of music and unwavering love...

Aileen C. Fleming

Aileen C. Fleming

Aileen C. Fleming Aileen Cambell Haney Fleming of Columbia, SC left this earth on July 23, 2025 and gained her heavenly wings. Aileen was born in Buncombe County, NC on September 30, 1934. Aileen was the daughter of the late Hugh Baldwin Campbell and Emma Lee Jordan...

Jim L. Evans

Jim L. Evans

Jim L. Evans Jim Evans, 94, of Sylva passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Haywood Regional Medical Center, following a brief illness. Born on Nov. 15, 1930 in Sylva, he was the son of the late Charles and Thelma Tucker Evans. In addition to his parents,...