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. Armondo “Bookie” J. Henriquez

Dr. Armondo “Bookie” J. Henriquez

Dr. Armondo "Bookie" J. HenriquezOn February 14, our family lost our hero.  Armando Joseph Henriquez (Bookie) left this world peacefully after a long illness.  His presence was strongly felt by many and we are eternally grateful for his devotion to his family....

Zane E. Metcalf

Zane E. Metcalf

Zane E. MetcalfAfter a 30-year battle with cancer, Zane Edward Metcalf went home to be with his Heavenly Father on February 13, 2025. He was born October 25, 1941 in Haywood County, North Carolina to John Davis Metcalf and Effie Rodgers Metcalf. He was a longtime...

Alan L. Aust

Alan L. Aust

Alan L. AustAlan Lee Aust, 74, of Asheville, NC, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025. He was born in Buncombe County to the late James “Jake” Curtis Aust, Sr. and Ellen Case Aust. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Kyler Aust. He is survived by his wife,...