Obituaries
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Mitzie Gay Bowers
Mar 28, 2024
Mitzie Gay Bowers, age 63, of Whittier, NC, passed away on Thursday, March 28th, 2024. She was born on Thursday, June 23rd, 1960 in Swain County, North Carolina.Mitzie is survived by her loving son Alec Bowers; sister Polly Meek (Thomas); brothers Paul Bowers (Michelle) and James Bowers. She was preceded in death by her parents Floyd and Reva Kinsland Bowers,...
Donald Smith Raby
Mar 29, 2024
Donald Smith Raby, 88, of Whittier, went home to be with the Lord Friday evening March 29, 2024 after a period of declining health. A native and a lifelong resident of Jackson County, he was the son of the late Ted and Evelyn Raby.Donald retired from the housekeeping department at the Holiday Inn. He faithfully attended Hyatts Chapel Baptist Church...
Doralee Smith Blanton
Mar 28, 2024
Doralee Smith Blanton entered eternal rest on March 28, 2024. Born in Waynesville, NC, on August 12, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Oliver and Dorcas Toy Smith. Doralee overcame early life challenges, but her courage enabled her spirit to soar with purpose and achievement. Married for 63 years to her loving husband and soulmate, Ray Blanton, her life...
Alfred Leonard Dyson III
Mar 30, 2024
Alfred Leonard Dyson III, 70, of Sylva, NC, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024. He was born on Tuesday, May 12th, 1953 to his late parents.Alfred was a beloved husband to Michelle Barrett Dyson and a devoted father to his daughters Andrea Chaplin (Joseph) and Danielle Dyson. He was a proud grandfather to Tripp Chaplin and Blair Chaplin. He...
Carol Mitchell Burns
Mar 29, 2024
Carol Mitchell Burns, age 72, of Cullowhee, NC, passed away on Friday, March 29th, 2024. He was born on September 7th, 1951, in Swain County, North Carolina.Mitch will be deeply missed by all who knew him.Visitation will be held at Appalachian Funeral Services in Sylva, NC on Thursday, April 4th, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a...
Ruth Norman
Mar 28, 2024
Ruth Hall Norman passed away March 28, 2024, after a long period of declining health.A native and lifelong resident of Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Ralph Dexter Hall and Vinnie Cagle Hall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Ray Norman, and siblings: Jim Cagle, Rose Ashe,...
Fred "Pete" Mills
Mar 28, 2024
Fred “Pete” Mills Fred “Pete” Mills, a native and lifelong resident of Jackson County passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024. Pete was the son of the late Fred and Lucy Mills of Sylva N.C. Pete was an avid trout fisherman, gardener and small engine repairman and outdoorsman. In the early morning hours, he could be found gathering the days produce from his...
Kathleen B. Norton
Mar 25, 2024
KATHLEEN B. NORTON, age 92, passed away with her family by her side, in Thurmont, MD, on March 25, 2024. Kathleen lived in Sylva, NC. She is predeceased by her husband Jack Norton. She is survived by her son, Gary Norton and wife Brenda, of Thurmont; her daughter Dona Norton, of Sabillasville, MD; her grandchildren, Heather Kavanagh and husband Michael;...
Elizabeth Ann Chester
Mar 27, 2024
Elizabeth "Lib" Chester, 95, of Cullowhee, passed away early Wednesday morning March 27, 2024A native of Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Hudson and Lola Nicholson.She enjoyed life to the fullest, but her greatest joy in life was getting to spend time with her family. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her...
Joseph Ronald Condroski
Mar 25, 2024
Joseph Ronald Condroski, 79, of Tuckasegee, passed away Monday evening March 25, 2024A native of Marquette, Michigan, he was the son of the late Frank and Rose Ellen Condroski.A U.S.Army Veteran, Joseph was awarded 2 Purple Hearts during the Viet Nam conflict. He enjoyed fishing, even had his own fishing boat, hunting, spending time with his family, going to the beach...
Robert Joe Cunningham
Mar 25, 2024
Robert “Bob” Cunningham
Robert “Bob” Cunningham, a native and lifelong resident of Sylva, Passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He was born August 27th, 1940.
He is preceded in death by his father, Weaver Cunningham. His Mother, Bonnie Cunningham. His three Brothers: Tom Cunningham, Jim Cunningham and Mike Cunningham. And his sisters: Linda Nyder, Mary Sue Gulino and Shirly...
James Michael Hamilton
Mar 24, 2024
James Michael Hamilton, age 51 of Sylva NC, passed away on Sunday March 24, 2024. He was born in Savannah, GA, to Teri Hamilton of Sylva, and Bert Parramore of Young Harris, GA.Jamey worked for UPS for 22 years, after which he moved to Montana to be near Harley, where he gained skills in intricate architectural woodworking. After returning...
Gail Revis
Mar 20, 2024
Mary Gail Leatherwood RevisJune 29, 1941 ~ March 20, 2024Gail passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Harris Regional Hospital from a weary heart that was just too big.Gail was a lifelong resident of Jackson County and a daughter of the late William Harold and Sadie Deitz Leatherwood. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by...
Fred Stiles
Mar 24, 2024
Sylva - Fred Stiles, 91, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Skyland Care Center.Fred was a native and lifelong resident of Jackson County and a son of the late Clarence and Edith Jordan Stiles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Peggy Beasley Stiles; two sisters, Birdell Gates and...
William Bryant Russell
Mar 20, 2024
William Bryant Russell, affectionately known as Will, was a loving, quiet, and solitary soul who touched the lives of those around him in profound ways. He entered this world in 1974 in Anderson, South Carolina, and peacefully departed from his residence on March 20, 2024. Will's essence was defined by his gentle nature and unwavering love for his family.Throughout his...
Helen Mary Cooper
Mar 16, 2024
Helen Mary Cooper, 80, of Whittier, NC, passed away Saturday March 16, 2024A native of Long Beach Island, New Jersey, she spent the majority of her life in West Palm Beach, Florida and was the daughter of the late Wendell Cooper and Mary Margaret Neith. She had been a resident of Whittier for the past 4 years.She enjoyed crocheting and...
Ralph Hall Slaughter
Mar 17, 2024
Ralph Hall Slaughter, born on January 24, 1940, in Braxton County, West Virginia, peacefully passed away at home on March 17, 2024, at the age of 84 in Cashiers, North Carolina.Ralph was a dedicated salesman throughout his life, showcasing his passion for his work in one way or another until his final days. He was the president of the Marietta...
Shannon Ray Wike
Mar 10, 2024
Shannon Ray Wike, 54, of Sylva, NC, passed away on March 16, 2024, in Waynesville, NC. Shannon was born on January 27, 1970, in Sylva, NC. Shannon was known for his love of the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting, and had a talent for bringing laughter to those around him. He loved to pull pranks, which entertained him and others...
Gary Stephen Austin
Mar 14, 2024
Gary Stephen Austin age 60 of Sylva NC, went to go be with the Lord on March 14, 2024. He was born to Flora (Queen) and Clarence Austin of Jackson County, on April 9, 1963. Gary Stephen Austin known as Steve, Big Foot or Six Mil, enjoyed playing his guitar and grilling for his loved ones. Fishing, hunting, and camping were...
William Raleigh Lillard
Mar 13, 2024
William Raleigh Lillard, age 73 of Sylva NC, passed away on Wednesday March 13, 2024. He was born on March 9, 1951, in Virginia, to the late Sherman and Mary Presson Lillard.
Funeral Services will be private.

