Katie Pannell Deitz

Katie Pannell Deitz, 95, of Sylva, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026.

She was born on December 26, 1930, in Jackson County to the late Ervin and Bertie Green Pannell.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by the father of her children, Clayton Deitz; son, Boyce Deitz; grandchildren, Kelly Deitz Stuckey and infant, Damien Watson; along with seven siblings.

Katie loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She always provided for her family no matter what. She had a loving heart for everyone. Everyone was welcome at her house and was a gathering place for the community. Katie enjoyed sewing, cooking, canning, listening and singing gospel music, riding and looking at God's creation. She loved the Lord. Katie was a member of Scotts Creek Baptist Church.

It was very important to her for all her family to know Jesus Christ. Katie worked at Western Carolina University in the diatary, president of Kiawanis Club from 1996 - 1997, and was voted Kiawanian of the year in 1997. She worked for Skyland Textile and owned Skyland Restaurant. Katie went to school at Southwestern Community College to prepare for her job at Western Carolina. She was a basketball player at the old Sylva High School where her team won conference championship.

Katie is survived by her children, Randy Deitz (Pat), Sheri Deitz, Donna Watson (Frank), and Tim Deitz (Susan); sister, Jean Dalton; daughter-in-law, Sandra Deitz; 11 grandchildren, Stephanie, Travis, Cristal, Shannon, Valarie, Rocky, Angie, Shawn, Autumn, Whitney, and Zack; 28 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren and one great-great on the way.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Scotts Creek Baptist Church with the Reverend J. D. Grant officiating. Burial will follow at Addie Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

The family wishes to give a big thank you to Rene Fish, Mary Connor, and Four Seasons Hospice.

Appalachian Funeral Services is honored to be caring for the Deitz family.