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...
Miriam W. Smith

Miriam W. Smith

Miriam W. SmithMiriam Wilson Smith, 80, of Huntersville, NC passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at her residence. She was born on September 5, 1944 to Laura Alexander Wilson and John Hinman Wilson in north Mecklenburg County. Miriam attended Long Creek Elementary...

Barbara J. Smart

Barbara J. Smart

Barbara J. SmartNC - Barbara Jane Johnson Smart-Smith departed her earthly life and went to be with Jesus early Wednesday morning, May 28, 2025. She was 90 years old. Barbara was born Jan. 14, 1935, in Morganton, NC, to Charles G. and Alice W. Johnson. She graduated...

William “Bill” A. Rhodes III

William “Bill” A. Rhodes III

William "Bill" A. Rhodes IIIWilliam Ashley Rhodes III, known throughout his life as "Bill", age 82, a lifelong resident of Asheville, North Carolina, native of Knoxville, Tennessee, died surrounded by his family at the Suncoast Hospice Care Center in St. Petersburg,...