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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Brenda P. Garner

Brenda P. Garner

Brenda P. GarnerBrenda Petersen Garner was a force to be reckoned with. Her interests were varied, her talents strong, and her love for the Lord unconditional. Born October 21, 1947 to Rev. Richard and Loyce Petersen (deceased), Brenda sailed through school easily,...

John T. Foster

John T. Foster

John T. FosterSherrills Ford, North Carolina - John Thomas "Buddy" Foster, 94, of Sherrils Ford, NC formerly of Salisbury, NC passed away peacefully November 6, 2024 at his residence. Born in Rowan County, NC he was the son of the late Lester Anderson Foster and Annie...

Winona C. Eye

Winona C. Eye

Winona C. EyeWinona Cotter Eye, 95, passed away peacefully at her home on May 21, 2025, after an 8-year journey with dementia. A proud descendent of the Rogers family of Cullowhee, Winnie was a 1950 graduate of Western Carolina Teachers College (now WCU), a dedicated...