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Collin Wesley Fitzgerald
Jan 17, 2026
Collin Fitzgerald, age 43, of Waynesville, formally Dillsboro, North Carolina, passed away at home unexpectedly January 17, 2026. Born August 16, 1982 in Tampa, Florida to Michael and Donna Fitzgerald, whom he lived with his entire life. He was in the special-needs class at Cullowhee Valley School and attended Victory Baptist Church in Sylva until health prevented otherwise. He touched...
Jean Hackett Guilford
Jan 17, 2026
Jean (Hackett) Guilford, age 96, of Sylva, NC, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, surrounded by family.
Born on January 24, 1929, in Newark, NY, to George and Iona Hackett, she was the oldest of six children. She spent her early childhood in Ceres, PA before moving to Friendship, NY, in the fifth grade. There, she graduated from high school,...
Evan Nelson Kelley Jr.
Jan 2, 2026
Evan Nelson Kelley, Jr. AKA the Bible Man, Born on 11 November 1931 died peacefully in his home on 2 January 2026. He is survived by his ex-wife, Janita Kelley, 2 daughters, Kathleen Macolly and Kara Kelley, grandson, Nathan Macolly (wife Dorothy), and great grandchildren, Hosanna, Faith, and Rael. He dearly loved his family and friends, and among the treasures...
Rowena Robinson Tolley
Jan 12, 2026
Rowena Robinson Tolley (Sweet Pea) 87 of Bryson City passed away on Monday January 12th with her family by her side. She was born on July 24, 1938 in Jackson County to the late William and Dora Robinson. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband James Junior Tolley and her son Roy Tolley.
Sweet Pea...
Freddie Eldon Watson
Jan 13, 2026
Freddie Eldon Watson, known to family and friends as Fred, age 63, passed away peacefully at home on January 13, 2026, surrounded by family and love.
Fred was born on August 18, 1962, in Franklin, North Carolina, and was raised in Sylva, North Carolina, where he spent much of his life and became a well-known and respected member of the community.
In...
Gary Bradley Patterson
Jan 9, 2026
Gary Bradley Patterson, 74, of Sylva, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, January 9th. He was born to Roy Don (Bud) Patterson and Mildred Bradley Patterson on December 26, 1951, and was raised with two sisters in the Barkers Creek Community. His sisters are Jan Patterson of Emerson, Ga. and Donna Patterson...
Eleanor White Lofquist
Jan 9, 2026
Cora Eleanor White Lofquist (“Ellima”) of Cullowhee, North Carolina, passed peacefully in her home, joining the love of her life, Henry (“Hennipa”) on January 9, 2026.
Eleanor was born April 3, 1930, to Ray McLee and Carrie Pierce White in Lenoir, NC. From childhood, she demonstrated a strong intellect and loved both literature and music. She was a voracious reader from...
Autumn Rae Mcgail Evans
Jan 7, 2026
Autumn Rae Mcgail Evans, a shining light in the lives of many, was born on January 17, 2002, in Sylva, North Carolina. Tragically, she left us far too soon on January 7, 2026, just days shy of her twenty-fourth birthday. Autumn's spirit was vibrant and infectious, filled with warmth and kindness that touched everyone she met.
From a young age, Autumn...
James Joseph Keeble
Dec 30, 2025
James Joseph (Jim) Keeble was born on October 25, 1944, in St. Augustine, Florida, to Joe and Dell Keeble, now deceased. Much of his home life was with his grandparents, Jim and Ruby Keeble of La Grange, Ga. Jim is survived by a sister, Mary Jo Keeble of Manhattan, NY, son Paul Keeble of Blacksburg, VA, daughter Katherine Keeble of,...
C L Bradley
Jan 4, 2026
CL Bradley, 90, of the Wilmot Community, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
He was born on August 21, 1935 in Jackson County to the late Cary and Mamie Sutton Bradley. In addition to his parents, CL was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Bradley and his grandson, Jason Extine.
CL worked as a machinist and later a salvage business....
Arthur David Robinson
Dec 19, 2025
"With deep love and remembrance, we announce the passing of Arthur “David” Robinson, age 92, who entered into eternal rest with the Lord on December 19, 2025.
David was a hardworking and devoted man whose life reflected faith, integrity, and a deep love for his family. He was known for his steady character, strong work ethic, and quiet dedication to those...
Ada Chastain Bryson
Jan 1, 2026
Ada Chastain Bryson, 93, of Cullowhee, NC passed away peacefully to her Heavenly home on the morning of January 1, 2026. She was born on August 4, 1932 to the late Tom and Martha Chastain of Hiawassee, Georgia. She was the youngest and only living of the seven siblings, Henry, Terrell, James, Joe, Flo, and Mae. She was also preceded...
Durward Wells Potter
Dec 27, 2025
Bryson City - Durward Wells Potter passed peacefully away in the sunshine on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the age of 94.
He was a retired teacher, professional musician and world traveler. He was born in Duplin County, NC on November 11, 1931 to parents, Harry and Jessie Taylor Potter.
Durward was preceded in death by his wife and love of his...
James Daniel Frady
Dec 22, 2025
James Daniel Frady, 71, passed away on December 22, 2025.
He was a devoted father and a steady, comforting presence in the lives of those who knew him. He showed his love through his actions—by always being there, working hard, and putting his family first. He taught the importance of kindness, honesty, and perseverance not through words, but by the way...
Harold Eugene Middleton
Dec 30, 2025
Harold Eugene (Gene) Middleton age 85 passed away peacefully at home following a battle with Alzheimer's dementia and chronic kidney disease.
Gene retired from NC DOT with 33 years of service and held a variety of positions. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and enjoyed singing in the choir. He also made several...
Brenda Benson Ewart
Dec 27, 2025
Brenda Benson Ewart, age 78, of Sylva, NC, passed away on Saturday, December 27th, 2025, peacefully at her home.
Brenda was born on April 27th 1947 in Arab, Alabama to Ellen and Orban Benson. Brenda was known for her strong work ethic, personality and sense of humor. She was a business owner running Brenda’s Mini Mart in Cullowhee where she had...
Garland "Burl" Bowers
Dec 24, 2025
He was born on May 5, 1951, to Sarah Bell Bowers and he will be laid to rest with family members in the Laurel Branch Cemetery in Bryson City, NC. Garland is survived by several children who now live in South Carolina. He will be missed by those who loved him and may he find rest in the loving arms...
Ruth Crawford Shuler
Dec 24, 2025
Ruth Crawford Shuler of Jackson County entered the gates of heaven the morning of December 24, 2025. Ruth was born August 3, 1938, to Glenn and Hazel Crawford, in the Willets Community, near Balsam.
Ruth was a bit of scamp as a young child; at Christmas one year Santa brought her a waterwheel, and she promptly took to the creek, waded...
Harold McMahan
Dec 26, 2025
Harold McMahan, 83, of Sylva, passed away Friday December 26, 2025. He was born on November 17th, 1942, in Jackson County to the late Albert and Annie Martin McMahan.
Harold worked in law enforcement for 30 years. He served as the chief of police at the Sylva police Department for 28 of those years and 2 years as chief Deputy for...
Rachael Dawn Ingraham
Dec 22, 2025
Rachael Dawn Ingraham, born on April 7, 1972, in Pageland, South Carolina, peacefully departed this life on December 22, 2025, in Whittier. Rachael's journey through life was characterized by her loving and compassionate nature, particularly evident in her fondness for cats. She embraced each day with warmth and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to...
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