Obituaries

Celebrate and remember those from our precious alma mater who have passed. We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends.

DeEtta Kay (Dingledine) Eberhardt 

DeEtta Kay (Dingledine) Eberhardt DeEtta Eberhardt , born August 13, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on July 5, 2026, surrounded by family, and held in the peace of her Lord. A devoted Christian, DeEtta was a long-time member of Long’s Chapel UMC. Her...

Dr. Colleen Helen King Cody

Dr. Colleen Helen King CodyDr. Colleen Helen King Cody, of Asheville NC passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, at CarePartners Solace Center after a brief illness at the age of 92. Born on August 4, 1933, in Haywood County, North Carolina. Colleen was the daughter...

Everette W. Clark, Jr.

Everette W. Clark, Jr.Everette W. Clark, Jr. Candler – June 13, 1941 – June 24, 2026 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" - Matthew 25:40 In the early afternoon of...

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. 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...

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...