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...
Elizabeth “Ann” Smith

Elizabeth “Ann” Smith

Elizabeth "Ann" SmithElizabeth Ann Wiggins Smith, born May 26, 1941, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 8, 2025. She was 83 years old. A native of Graham County, she was the first child born to the late John Melvin Wiggins and Gladys Anderson Wiggins....

Ruth M. Landreth

Ruth M. Landreth

Ruth M. LandrethRuth MacLean Landreth, age 81, of Newburyport, passed away peacefully at Anna Jaques Hospital on March 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born in Biddeford, Maine, on February 5, 1944, Ruth was the daughter of the late Eliot B. and...

Karen E. Cody

Karen E. Cody

Karen E. CodyFrom the moment Karen Elaine Colleen Cody entered this world on February 19, 1955, she brought joy and happiness to all who knew her. On this day, we are deeply saddened by her passing on Sunday, March 2, 2025, into her glorious place of eternal peace....