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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Sheila W. Shields

Sheila W. Shields

Sheila W. Shields Sheila Shields passed away unexpectedly on June 10. Sheila was at her home in Cullowhee when she simply lost consciousness and never woke up. Sheila graduated from Western Carolina University in 1980 with a BS in Psychology and worked as a Vocational...

Kevin T. Greene

Kevin T. Greene

Kevin T. GreeneKevin Taylor Greene (38) passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 26th, 2025 at his residence in Knoxville, Tennessee.  He was born April 30, 1987 in Boone, North Carolina. Kevin attended Hardin Park School and Watauga High School where he lettered in...

Melissa B. Dillingham

Melissa B. Dillingham

Melissa B. DillinghamMelissa "Missy" Brooks Dillingham, 51, of Brock, Texas, took her last breath on earth and next breath in Heaven on June 14th. Missy was an extraordinary woman who touched countless lives with her joyful spirit and infectious smile. She leaves...