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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Elizabeth K. Shuping

Elizabeth K. Shuping

Elizabeth K. Shuping Mrs. Elizabeth Kepley Shuping passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Atrium Health Cabarrus following a brief illness. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, April 17, 2026 at Forest Hill United Methodist Church officiated by Rev....

Debbie J. Nielsen

Debbie J. Nielsen

Debbie J. Nielsen Deborah Jean Andrews Nielsen, “Debbie” to people who knew her, died at home in her sleep on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. She was 71. Debbie is survived by her husband of 46 years, Rick Nielsen, daughter Christin Winston (wife of Troy), son Matt, sister...

Bob M. Jones

Bob M. Jones

Robert Miles Jones, 74, of 847 Hatchett Road, Yanceyville, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at his residence following several years of declining health. He was born in Danville, VA on April 17, 1951, a son of the late Herbert Miles...