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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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,...