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...
Delia B. Stanford

Delia B. Stanford

Delia B. Stanford Delia “DeeDee” Brown Stanford passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 25, 2025 at Mission Hospital after a brief illness. She was born on Sept. 5, 1934 to the late Jesse Franklin and Guscelia Morgan Brown. Delia married Carl “Buddy” Stanford in...

Julie Anne Guttery

Julie Anne Guttery

Julie Anne GutteryOn June 14, 2025, our beloved Julie Anne Guttery was called home to heaven. Born June 5, 1971, in Gainesville, FL. Julie Anne was so many things to so many people a loving mother, devoted daughter, sister, fiancée, and loyal friend. She was...

Brandon B. Taylor

Brandon B. Taylor

Brandon B. Taylor Our hearts are deeply saddened by the passing of Brandon Barrett Taylor of Canton, North Carolina, on Sunday, June 22, 2025. We give thanks for the 48 years that we were blessed with his life. He will always be remembered as a wonderful son, brother,...