Obituaries

Sep 29, 2021

Robert Tyrone “Ty” Chastain was born on February 24, 1985, he was 36 years old. A lifelong resident of Jackson County. He was the husband of Brandy Chastain, the father of Chase Chastain.

Ty loved to spend time with his wife and son, enjoyed riding his motorcycles at the Dragon with his friends and liked watching MotoGP on Sundays.

In addition to...

Sep 29, 2021

Brenda Gail Marks, 65, of Sylva, passed away Wednesday evening September 29, 2021. A native and a lifelong resident of Jackson County she was the daughter of Mildred Mitchum of Robbinsville and the late Bud Bryson. 

Brenda enjoyed working in her garden, flowers and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

In additon to her father she was also preceded in death...

Sep 25, 2021

Bette Lain, age 93, of Sylva, NC (formerly of Gibson City, IL) passed away at home on Sept. 25, 2021 of a heart condition complicated by a fall and small stroke.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Gene Lain, parents Art and Hattie VanBlaracum, brother Bud VanBlaracum (Toots), sisters Bea Ashmore (Sandy), Opal Jordan (Virgil), Nadyne...

Sep 20, 2021

Theresa Fiore Freer Brown, Sylva, NC, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2021. She was born in Millbrook, NY to the late Filomena and Joseph Fiore.

Theresa was previously married to the late Neil A. Freer of Santa Fe, NM, and the late Anthony E. Brown, Cullowhee, NC. She leaves five children: Joseph Freer and wife Susanne, Bermuda Run, NC; Monica...

Sep 19, 2021

Jason Navarro, 47, of Whittier, passed away Sunday September 19, 2021.

A native of Texas, Jason had resided in Jackson County for the past 7 years and was the son of the late Diana Bradley.

He enjoyed playing video games and legos but he loved just spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his life partner of 14 years...

Sep 18, 2021

Sep 17, 2021

Terry Lynn Sams, 72 of Whittier, passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021. Terry was born on March 29, 1949 in Buncombe County. He was the son of the late Jim Hendrix and Neta Sams Hendrix.

Terry enjoyed going fishing, hunting, and camping. He loved mowing his yard and cooking for his family. His specialty was Mexican cornbread. Terry loved his family especially...

Sep 17, 2021

Betty Elliott, age 72, of Cullowhee, passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Guy Seagle and the late Cora Lee Ray. 

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her son; Mickey Woodring; brothers; Phillip Seagle, Fred Thomas Seagle; and grandchildren, Johnie Holden, Ralph Golden, and Casey Nicholson.

Betty is...

Sep 17, 2021

Carolyn Irene Frisbee Beasley, 78, of Sylva, passed away Friday, September 17, 2021, after a long illness.  She was born in Macon County on January 12, 1943, to the late Bessie Cagle Buchanan and William Glenn Frisbee.  She resided in Sylva all her life.

Carolyn was a member of East Sylva Baptist Church. She loved her family and loved to travel,...

Sep 17, 2021

Terry Lynn Sams, 72 of Whittier, passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021. Terry was born on March 29, 1949, in Buncombe County. He was the son of the late Jim Hendrix and Neta Sams Hendrix.

Terry enjoyed going fishing, hunting, and camping. He loved mowing his yard and cooking for his family. His specialty was Mexican cornbread. Terry loved...

Sep 16, 2021

Barbara “Louise” Leopard, 83 of Cullowhee, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021. Louise was born on January 23, 1938, to the late Eugene and Octavia Watson in Jackson County.

Louise loved working in her flowers and her garden. She enjoyed listening to gospel music, going on scenic drives, and taking pictures. Louise loved her family and friends, but most of...

Sep 16, 2021

Barbara “Louise” Leopard, 83 of Cullowhee, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021. Louise was born on January 23, 1938 to the late Eugene and Octavia Watson in Jackson County.

Louise loved working in her flowers and her garden. She enjoyed listening to gospel music, going on scenic drives, and taking pictures. Louise loved her family and friends, but most of all...

Sep 16, 2021

Barbara J. Queen Cabe, “Bobbie”, age 87 of Dillsboro, NC, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021. Bobbie was born on September 26, 1933, to the late Claude B. and Polly Queen in Dillsboro.  She loved her family very much.

She is survived by her daughter, Gina Stripling and son, Jimmy Cabe;  sisters, Jannette Beasley and Peggy Mason; and several nieces, nephews,...

Sep 15, 2021

Dorothy Anderson 71 passed away on 09/15/2021 in Harris Regional Hospital. Memorial services will be performed at Lighthouse Baptist Church on 10/02/2021. There will be a viewing from 12PM-1PM followed by a service. A small grave side ceremony will be held for anyone who wishes to attend following the church service. Appalachian Funeral Services of Sylva, NC is serving the...

Sep 13, 2021

Sep 13, 2021

John Russell Cagle, “Russ”, age 63, of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away on September 13, 2021 due to complications from Covid-19. Russ was a native of Jackson County, born in Sylva, NC on July 1, 1958.  For the past 25 years, he resided in Hiawassee enjoying the beautiful North Georgia area.

Russ was preceded in death by his father, William “Baldy” Cagle and...

Sep 12, 2021

Dennis Hal Burnette, age 70 of Cashiers NC, passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2021.   He was born on June 22, 1951, in Clayton GA, to the late James Wade and Estelle Houston Burnette.

He was a member of Flats of Middle Creek Baptist Church in Scaly Mountain NC.   Hal enjoyed working for 11 years at Highlands Falls Country Club.  He...

Sep 11, 2021

Blanche "Lucy" Messer 82 of Sylva passed away on Saturday, September 11th. She was born December 15, 1938, to the late Osborne and Ella Angel. She is survived by her husband, Joe L. Messer.

Blanche loved spending time with her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed working in her garden, traveling and cooking. Blanche was a member of New Hope Baptist Church...

Sep 11, 2021

James “Smiley” Luker, 81 of Tuckasegee, passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Smiley was born on April 15, 1940 to the late Allen and Lillie Luker in Jackson County.

Smiley enjoyed working with cattle, farming, and eating out at the local restaurants. He had a strong faith in God. Smiley loved his family, but most of all he loved...

Sep 11, 2021

James “Smiley” Luker, 81 of Tuckasegee, passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Smiley was born on April 15, 1940 to the late Allen and Lillie Luker in Jackson County.

Smiley enjoyed working with cattle, farming, and eating out at the local restaurants. He had a strong faith in God. Smiley loved his family, but most of all he loved spending...