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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
Vernon Kendall Harris
Apr 8, 2025
Vernon Kendall Harris, 75, of Sylva, Passed away on April 8, 2025, after a period of declining health.
No Services are planned at this time.
Appalachian Funeral Service have charge of the arrangements.
Roger Lee Cabe
Apr 13, 2025
Roger Lee Cabe, 57 of Sylva, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025. He was born on June 19, 1967, in Swain County to the late Paul James Cabe Sr. and Mae Lee Sutton Cabe. Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He loved spending time with his family, friends, and his dog, Booger.
In addition to his mother, Roger is survived...
Johnny Sluder
Apr 9, 2025
Johnny Kay Sluder, born on December 27, 1942 in Hazelwood, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at Mission Hospital on April 9, 2025. A devoted family man and a proud veteran, Johnny's life was marked by dedication, service and a love for the outdoors.
After graduating from Sylva-Webster High School in 1964, Johnny served his country with distinction in the United States...
Loy Vaughn Deitz
Apr 8, 2025
Loy Vaughn Deitz went to his heavenly home Tuesday April 8, 2025. Loy, the youngest of nine children, was born to Alvin Narlin and Danah Hall Deitz. He was born on March 1, 1942 in the East Fork Community of Jackson County.
Loy is survived by the love of his life Brenda, his son Doug (Ashley), his two grandchildren Austin (Kelly)...
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