Obituaries

Search Obituaries

James Homer Ashe

James Homer Ashe

May 22, 2025

James Homer Ashe, 73, of the Wilmot Community went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at his residence. Homer, as most knew him, was a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, son, uncle, and loyal friend to so many. He was born in Jackson County to the late Cornelious and Ethel Ashe. Homer was raised in...

Basil Joseph Doyle

Basil Joseph Doyle

May 17, 2025

Basil Joseph Doyle, known affectionately as Joe or Butch to those who loved him, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Born in Detroit, Michigan on Wednesday, September 20, 1944, Joe spent the last years of his vibrant life in Sylva, North Carolina.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Doyle, with whom he shared a wonderful life filled...

Jack Robert Shields

Jack Robert Shields

May 20, 2025

Jack Robert Shields, 81, of Sylva, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Skyland Care Center after experiencing a period of declining health. Born on April 3, 1944, in Waynesville, North Carolina, Jack was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a devoted public servant.

A man of many talents, Jack explored numerous professions throughout...

Connie Sue Newman

Connie Sue Newman

May 19, 2025

Connie Sue Newman went home to Jesus May 19, 2025, at the age of 66. Connie was born to James Barnett and Sue Heard on January 26, 1959. She spent her years being a homemaker helping others and loved animals, especially her fur baby Tara.

She enjoyed her home and life in the mountains. Spending time with her grandchildren brought her...

James Michael Novitske

James Michael Novitske

2025

James Michael Novitske, 88, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025 in Sylva, North Carolina. 

Born in Johnson City, NY he eventually retired in Myrtle Beach, SC to pursue his love of golf.

He served honorably in the United States Air Force, where he was a member of the distinguished Drum and Bugle Corps. His time in service deepened his already strong...

Lee Palmer Budahl

Lee Palmer Budahl

2025

Lee Palmer Budahl, 91, died in Sylva, North Carolina, on May 16, 2025.

He was born in September 1933 in Wisconsin, where he also met his wife, MaryAnn Guenther. They were married for 67 years and raised three children. Lee served in the U.S. Army, attended Universities in California and Wisconsin before completing his PhD in Art Education at the University...

Boyce "Bo" Hensley

Boyce "Bo" Hensley

May 12, 2025

Sylva - Boyce "Bo" Hensley, 60, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Boyce was born in Buncombe County but had resided in Jackson County for most of his life. He was a son of Mary DeHart and the late Wade Ervin Hensley. Boyce was the owner/operator of Hensley Well Pump and loved to fish and deer hunt. Most of all,...

Connie Lee Hawkins

Connie Lee Hawkins

May 11, 2025

Connie Lee Bumgarner Hawkins 84 of Cashiers, North Carolina died peacefully on Sunday, May 11 while in hospice care, after a period of declining health.

Connie was born on October 1, 1940 to the late Clyde Bumgarner and Alean Bryson Bumgarner. She married Thomas Blane Hawkins in January of 1960. They were married for fifty-one years.

Connie is survived by one son,...

Peggy Cabe Fouts

Peggy Cabe Fouts

May 11, 2025

Peggy C. Fouts

Sylva - Peggy Jo Cabe Fouts, 83, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at her residence.

A native and lifelong resident of Jackson County, she was a daughter of the late Robert Lee and Mary Delsia Cochran Cabe. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Mose Fouts, who died...

Lawrence "Larry" Pilarski

Lawrence "Larry" Pilarski

May 5, 2025

Lawrence "Larry" Pilarski, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on May 5, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 65 years old. Born on August 8, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan, Larry lived a full and vibrant life grounded in love, loyalty, and laughter.

Larry proudly served in the United States Army...

Elaine J Bixby

Elaine J Bixby

Apr 24, 2025

Elaine “Laney” Jones Bixby, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on April 24, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born on November 30, 1937, in Savannah, Georgia, Laney spent her life sharing kindness, strength, and laughter with everyone she met. She married the love of her life, Lawrence Henry Bixby II, and together they built...

Elizabeth "Betty" Tweedy

Elizabeth "Betty" Tweedy

Apr 29, 2025

Elizabeth (Betty) Tweedy passed away peacefully at her home in Cullowhee on April 29th after a short period of declining health. Betty was born on June 14th, 1933 to the late Eugene and Katherine McDermott of Lynchburg Virginia. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Eugene Tweedy and grandson Timor Tweedy. She is survived by her children, Teresa Tweedy...

William "Joe" Frizzell

William "Joe" Frizzell

May 2, 2025

William “Joe” Frizzell, 78 of Sylva, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025. He was born on March 17, 1947, to the late William and Ruby White Frizzell.

Joe enjoyed playing the guitar, singing, being outdoors, and spending time with his family. He will be missed by many.

Joe is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mable Frizzell; daughter, Beverly Kimsey; sisters,...

Mary Jo Cagle

Mary Jo Cagle

May 1, 2025

Mary Jo Cagle, 88, of Sylva, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 1, 2025, after a brief illness at Harris Regional Hospital.

Mary Jo was born in Sylva, NC to the late Joe Marion and Bessie Locust Ashe. And was also preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Rayburn A. Cagle and her sister...

Annie Jo Jones

Annie Jo Jones

Apr 27, 2025

Annie Jo Jones, 86 of Sylva passed away on Sunday April 27, 2025. She was born on June 27, 1938 to the late Howard and Maybelle Elders Gibson.

Annie loved the Lord and enjoyed spending time reading her Bible. Her favorite pass times were spent working with her flowers and enjoying the beauty that they brought, and Spending time with her...

George "G.W." Revis

George "G.W." Revis

Apr 25, 2025

George Washington "G.W." Revis went to his heavenly home on April 25, 2025. G.W. as most everyone knew him, was a proud veteran of the United States Army who served honorably in Korea being awarded a bronze star for his courageous efforts.

G.W. was raised in the Barker's Creek Community of Jackson County along with ten other siblings. G.W. cherished his...

Robert Charles Leveille

Robert Charles Leveille

Apr 18, 2025

Robert Charles (“Bob”) Leveille passed away Friday, April 18, 2025, at the age of 75, after a long battle with dementia.

Born in Lufkin, TX, Bob was the second of seven children born to Charles and Ruth Leveille of the upper peninsula of Michigan. He grew up in Cleveland, TN, and is survived by four of his siblings William, Cindy, Thomas,...

Dominick Gerard Escudero

Dominick Gerard Escudero

Apr 9, 2025

Dominick Gerard Escudero, 61, passed away suddenly on April 9, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and friend — known for his big heart, quick wit, and ability to talk to anyone.

Dom was born in 1964 and was a chef by trade and a storyteller by nature. Whether he was belting out Meat Loaf in the car...

Paul Joseph Elkovich

Paul Joseph Elkovich

Apr 14, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Paul Joseph Elkovich, a beloved brother, uncle, and dear friend, who left us peacefully at the age of 65 on Monday, April 14th. 

Paul was a remarkable man known for his unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community.

Born in Paterson, New Jersey in 1959, Paul spent his life fostering...

Patsy Henson Hall

Patsy Henson Hall

Apr 17, 2025

Patsy Henson Hall, born on March 31, 1949, passed away at her home on April 17, 2025. Patsy was the heart of her family, known for her unwavering love, deep compassion, and fierce loyalty. She had a way of making everyone feel cared for, never missing an opportunity to show kindness or offer a listening ear.

Patsy is proceeded in death...