Obituaries

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

Dr. Michael Willis

by | October 29, 2026 | 1979, 1983, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Dr. Michael Bryson Willis, 69, of Franklin, NC, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026. A native of Macon County, Michael was born to the late James Garland Willis and Sue Ann Bryson Willis. He dedicated his life to music education, inspiring countless students...
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Sherry F. Ginn

by | October 29, 2026 | 1974, Obituaries | 0 Comments

Sherry Fox Ginn passed away on October 20, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on July 4, 1944, she lived a life of service, care, and dedication to others. Sherry was a graduate of Swain County High School and later earned a master’s degree in education from Western...
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Ellen Nuzum Wetmore

by | October 26, 2026 | 1973, Obituaries | 0 Comments

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ellen Nuzum Wetmore, 75, of Pauline, SC. After a 23 year battle with cancer, Ellen passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026 at the SRI Hospice Home, surrounded by family. Born May 15, 1951, in Newton, NC, she...
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Barbara J. Smart

Barbara J. SmartNC - Barbara Jane Johnson Smart-Smith departed her earthly life and went to be with Jesus early Wednesday morning, May 28, 2025. She was 90 years old. Barbara was born Jan. 14, 1935, in Morganton, NC, to Charles G. and Alice W. Johnson. She graduated...

William “Bill” A. Rhodes III

William "Bill" A. Rhodes IIIWilliam Ashley Rhodes III, known throughout his life as "Bill", age 82, a lifelong resident of Asheville, North Carolina, native of Knoxville, Tennessee, died surrounded by his family at the Suncoast Hospice Care Center in St. Petersburg,...

Donald “Donnie” S. Reeves

Donald "Donnie" S. Reeves Donald Scott Reeves passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Saturday, May 24, in Waynesville, N.C. Known to his family as Donnie or Doe Doe, he was a storyteller, jokester, brother, favorite uncle, and father — a man who didn’t love to...