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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Robert “Bob” C. Leveille

Robert “Bob” C. Leveille

Robert "Bob" C. LeveilleRobert Charles (“Bob”) Leveille passed away Friday, April 18, 2025, at the age of 75, after a long battle with dementia. Born in Lufkin, TX, Bob was the second of seven children born to Charles and Ruth Leveille of the upper peninsula of...

Ronnie W. Pernell

Ronnie W. Pernell

Ronnie W. PernellDevoted husband, father, grandfather, Army veteran, and friend Ronnie Pernell peacefully passed away on Monday, March 31st after a brief period of declining health. Ronnie was born in High Point, North Carolina on November 7th, 1941, to father Henry...

Gladys R. Rowland

Gladys R. Rowland

Gladys R. RowlandGladys Ruth Rowland, 71, of Franklin, NC, made her heavenly journey to be with her Lord on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Gladys was a native to Franklin, being born to the late Troy and Lottie Roper Swafford. She graduated from Western Carolina University...