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...
Sue R. Colmant

Sue R. Colmant

Sue R. ColmantSue Ray Smith Colmant passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston Salem on May 9, 2025. She was 80 years old. Sue was born on August 25, 1944 in Winston Salem to Oscar and Betty Smith. She graduated from East...

Jonathan L. Carter

Jonathan L. Carter

Jonathan L. CarterJonathan L. Carter of Java, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, at Moses Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, NC. A man of integrity, kindness, and boundless enthusiasm, Jonathan touched countless lives with his generosity, warmth,...

Jerome “Brock” Parker

Jerome “Brock” Parker

Jerome "Brock" ParkerJerome Brock Parker, 42, conquered this earthly world and entered eternity on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Born on April 2, 1983, Brock was a loyal son, a loving husband, and an incredible father. His kindness, sincerity, and unwavering love will...