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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Steve W. Tedder

Steve W. Tedder

Steve W. TedderSteve W. Tedder, born October 13, 1951, passed away on February 26, 2025, with his wife Katie by his side. He was 73 years old. Steve is the son of the late Ira W. and Alma Hall Tedder. He was a 1969 graduate of South Stokes High School. He graduated...

Charles “Chuck” W. Graham Jr.

Charles “Chuck” W. Graham Jr.

Charles "Chuck" W. Graham Jr.Charles W. Graham, Jr. (Chuck) left this world on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 after an extended illness. He was born on June 1, 1943 and leaves behind family, many friends and a list of students and clients who depended on his abilities to...

Christopher “Ed” Hamlet

Christopher “Ed” Hamlet

Christopher "Ed" HamletEd Hamlet, 81, of Sylva passed away quietly at home on February 24, 2025. He was born and raised in Durham, NC, the son of the late Chris and Virginia Hamlet. Ed served in the US Army in the mid-60s, then returned to Durham and UNC- Chapel Hill...