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

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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Philip D. Buchahan

by | June 12, 2026 | 1966, Obituaries | 0 Comments

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...
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Louise W. Blanton

Louise W. Blanton

Louise W. Blanton Lou Blanton, 74, passed away on February 16, 2026, in New Bern, North Carolina. She was born on November 19, 1951, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Louise Wray and Charles Wray, both of whom preceded her in death. Lou spent her early years moving...

William R. Woodruff

William R. Woodruff

William R. WoodruffWilliam Randall Woodruff, age 78, of Wilkesboro, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, at his home. He was born November 14, 1947, in Boonville, NC to William Howard and Alma Coe Woodruff. Randall opened a real estate business in 1974 and ran it...

Judy E. Sutton

Judy E. Sutton

BRYSON CITY - Judy Evelyn Grant Sutton, 83, our beloved wife, mother and Nana went home to be with Jesus in heaven Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Judy was born to Kenneth and Helen Thomas Grant Nov. 21, 1942, in...