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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Kim T. Whitehurst

Kim T. Whitehurst

Kim T. WhitehurstKim Tyler Whitehurst, 69, after a long and faithful search, was found on Friday, January 17. The family is left to find peace in his passing. He was born in Greenville, NC on March 22, 1955, to the late Juanita Marflin Horner and James Elbert...

Joyce E. English

Joyce E. English

Joyce E. EnglishJoyce Elaine English, 64, of Murphy, N.C., passed away Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. She was born in Cherokee County, N.C., to the late Broadus Dockery Jr. and Dorothy Worley Dockery. Joyce enjoyed going to the lake, working outside and mowing. She loved...

Frances L. Mueller

Frances L. Mueller

Frances L. MuellerFrances La Vonne (nee Bingham) Mueller, 76, of Smithfield NC, daughter of James and Doris Bingham of Smithfield (both deceased), passed away at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield on January 17, 2025. Frances was a 1966 graduate of Smithfield High...