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...
James “Jim” L. Evans

James “Jim” L. Evans

James "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...

Robert “Bob” L. Harrison

Robert “Bob” L. Harrison

Robert "Bob" L. HarrisonFRANKLIN - Robert "Bob" L. Harrison, 78, passed away at his home following a prolonged illness, Sunday, July 13, 2025. He was born April 6, 1947, in Waynesville, to the late Robert L. and Margret Underwood Harrison. In addition to his parents,...

John B. Thomas

John B. Thomas

John B. ThomasJohn Bertrum Thomas, age 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 20, 2025, at his home in Roswell, Georgia, with his beloved wife and daughter by his side. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, and lifelong learner, John lived a life...