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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Judith “Judy” H. Russell

Judith “Judy” H. Russell

Judith "Judy" H. Russell Judith Harkins Russell, affectionately known as Judy, was born on July 23, 1957, in Haywood County, North Carolina, and unexpectedly was reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, David Russell (2023), on May 14, 2025. She was also...

Randy M. Simpson

Randy M. Simpson

Randy M. SimpsonRandy Michael Simpson was born on December 16, 1943, to William Glenn and Mary Katherine Simpson. Randy spent his childhood in Hendersonville, North Carolina.  After graduating from East Hendersonville High School in 1962, he went on to complete his BS...

Betty A. Sandlin

Betty A. Sandlin

Betty A. SandlinBetty A. Sandlin, 80, native and lifelong resident of Bryson City, passed away May 3, 2025, after a short illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Faye Martin Sandlin, and her brother, Robert M. Sandlin. She is survived by her...