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

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...

Sally M. Monteith

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...

Philip D. Buchahan

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...
Hazel Taylor

Hazel Taylor

Hazel TaylorFRANKLIN - Mrs. Hazel Elizabeth McCall Taylor, 87, passed away Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. Mrs. Taylor was born April 29, 1938, in Macon County to the late Carl J. McCall and Josephine Brown McCall. She was married to the late William Eugene Taylor who preceded...

Mary C. Renckens

Mary C. Renckens

Mary C. RenckensMary Cathleen Renckens, born July 31, 1955 in  Dunkirk, New York passed away on October 13, 2025 in Charlotte North Carolina.  She was a warm-hearted, flamboyant friend, sister, aunt, and daughter. In every role she played, Mary was vivid, memorable,...

Scott A. Jarman

Scott A. Jarman

Scott A. JarmanIt is with great sadness that we announce the death of Scott Allen Jarman of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, who passed away on October 12, 2025, at the age of 61, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their...