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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Genevieve “Jeni” P. Smith

Genevieve “Jeni” P. Smith

Genevieve "Jeni" P. SmithGenevieve "Jeni" Smith Sylva - Genevieve "Jeni" Smith, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at the age of 87. Jeni was a daughter of the late Eva and Theodore Adams. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Painter and Phyllis...

Thomas “Tom” E. Plott

Thomas “Tom” E. Plott

Thomas "Tom" E. PlottThomas E. Plott passed from this earth into the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 8, 2025. He was predeceased by his parents, Cecil F. Plott and Mildred S. Plott of Bryson City, NC; his sisters, Ann Crisp of Waynesville, NC, and Cecile...

Constance “Connie” E. Stiles

Constance “Connie” E. Stiles

Constance “Connie” E. StilesConstance “Connie” Stiles, 69, of Franklin, NC, passed away peacefully in her home, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Connie was born in Sylva, NC, to the late Vernon Davis and Mary Constance Stiles. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in...