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...
Dr. Betty N. Gaddy

Dr. Betty N. Gaddy

Dr. Betty N. GaddyDr. Betty Louise Masters Nelon Gaddy, 87, went to be with the Lord on February 28, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Stanley Masters and Martha Terrell Masters. She was preceded in death by her first husband, George A. Nelon, Jr., her second...

Thomas “Tom” E. Hall

Thomas “Tom” E. Hall

Thomas "Tom" E. HallIt is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the family announces the untimely passing of Thomas (Tom) Edward Hall. On Friday afternoon, February 28, 2025, Tom, age 71, left his family on earth to be with the Lord and heavenly family members....

Donald “Don” F. Burgin

Donald “Don” F. Burgin

Donald "Don" F. BurginDonald Franklin Burgin, 88, of Bahama, NC passed peacefully from this earth on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Don was born in Marion, NC, to Jonas and Elsie Sisk Burgin. He completed his undergraduate studies at Western Carolina University and...