Obituaries
Search Obituaries
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...
Kenneth Harling
Dec 17, 2025
Ken Harling, a devoted husband and father of two, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at his residence in Webster, NC. Born in Columbia, SC, on August 9, 1947, Ken is survived by his wife, Ola; his children, Alicia Jenkins and Wayne Harling; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Throughout his life, Ken was dedicated to his faith and family,...
James Ray Conner
Dec 19, 2025
James Ray Conner, 81, of Glenville passed away on Friday, December 19, at home after several months of declining health. He was born to the late Claude and Bonnie Conner in Jackson County on July 9, 1944. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Bessie Franks Conner, siblings Luease, Elizabeth, Gracie, George, and Cora Lee.
James...
Ronald Eugene Queen
Dec 17, 2025
Ronald Eugene “Ronnie” Queen, passed away after a period of declining health on December 17, 2025. Ronnie was born on March 5, 1960 in Sylva, North Carolina and was raised in Cullowhee, North Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mackie Queen, and his brother, Roger Queen.
Ronnie spent many years working as a heavy equipment operator, a trade that...
Edna Saunooke Goshorn
Dec 12, 2025
Edna Vera Saunooke Goshorn, 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025, in Cherokee, North Carolina. She was born in Cherokee, NC, on July 18, 1929, to the late Stacey Powell Saunooke and the late Anderson Saunooke.
Edna graduated from Cherokee High School in 1947. She attended Western Carolina for two years and then transferred to Missions Nursing program in...
Mary Christine Childers
Dec 17, 2025
A Glorious Homecoming
Mary Christine Childers passed away peacefully in her sleep December 17, 2025 and woke up in glory.
Christine was born December 8, 1940 in Jackson County, North Carolina to the late Manley and Lillie Coggins. She was one of three surviving children.
No words can describe the joy and love Mrs. Christine brought to her family, and friends. Christine was...
Edna Leona Mathis
Dec 15, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edna Leona Mathis, a cherished soul, who passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the age of 84. Edna was a long-time resident of Jackson County, North Carolina, where her warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.Edna was born on Thursday, January 2, 1941. She devoted her...
Gary Crawford Smith
Dec 14, 2025
Gary Crawford Smith, age 68, passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2025. Gary was born on August 30, 1957, in Newport News, Virginia. His family later moved to Cullowhee, North Carolina, where he grew up after relocating there in the sixth grade.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, James Andrew “Jimmy” Smith, and his mother, Helen Crawford Smith.
He leaves...
Sheila Joyce Hooper
Dec 7, 2025
My beloved sister, Sheila Joyce Hooper, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 7th at Mission Hospital, with family by her side.
Born on February 19, 1954, in Sylva, NC, Sheila made her home for many years in the Big Ridge community of Glenville.
Sheila was dedicated and hard-working. She spent several years with Lea Industries before beginning a 40-year career at...

