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...
Read More

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...
Read More

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...
Read More
Barbara A. Thomas

Barbara A. Thomas

Barbara A. ThomasBarbara Ann Hunter Thomas, 85, beloved mother, grandmother, and dedicated educator, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025 at Arden Courts in Tampa, Florida after a lengthy illness. Barbara was born on October 9, 1939 and was raised in the community she...

Van Frederick “Fred” Meadows Jr.

Van Frederick “Fred” Meadows Jr.

Van Frederick "Fred" Meadows Jr.Van Frederick Meadows, Jr, known more affectionately as Fred or Freddy, died unexpectedly the morning of April 5, 2025 at his home in Burlington, NC. He was 67 years old. Fred was born in Orlando, Florida May 24, 1957, and was raised in...

Ivan L. Joslin

Ivan L. Joslin

Ivan L. JoslinIvan L. Joslin, age 89, a resident of The Villages, FL for over 20 years, left his earthly life on April 4, 2025, and immediately entered the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ivan was a committed follower of Jesus, serving as a choir member,...