Obituaries
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Ruth Buchanan
Feb 13, 2025
Ruth Evelyn Buchanan, 86, passed away February 13 in Sylva, NC. Ruth was a lifelong resident of Webster and enjoyed helping others in her career with the Sylva-Webster school system.
Ruth was well loved by her friends and family and is survived by her sister Grace Dettmar, brother William Buchanan, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her parents...
Brett Wayne Bonner
Feb 16, 2025
Brett Wayne Bonner, 42, of Cullowhee, NC, passed away on February 16, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Brett was born in Aurora, CO on July 27, 1982 to Robin Wayne Bonner and Lesa Jene Lewis.
After graduating from Red Bluff High School, Brett worked for California Fish and Wildlife, where he performed salmon studies and,...
Carol (Dave) Frady
Feb 15, 2025
Carol "Dave" Frady
Sylva - Carol "Dave" Frady, 79 passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
A native of Jackson County, he was a son of the late Albert Jr. and Bonnie Biddix Frady. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Frady; one sister, Mildred Conner; one son,...
Bruce Edward Coggins
Jan 31, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bruce Edward Coggins of Sylva, NC at the age of 68 on Friday, January 31, 2025.
In honor of Bruce's wishes, there will be no further services or announcements.
The family would like to thank everyone for their care, thoughts, and prayers during this difficult time.
Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and...
Irene M. Kessler
Feb 8, 2025
Irene M. Kessler (nee Brereton), age 87, beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, went to heaven on a sunny, mild, Saturday morning, February 8, 2025, in the smokey mountain home she shared with her daughter, Eileen F. Kessler.
Irene M. Kessler was born September 1937 in Brooklyn, New York, to Jane and Peter Brereton, who had immigrated to the United States...
William Robert (Bob) Henson
Feb 12, 2025
William Robert (Bob) Henson, of Asheville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mary Lou Jacobs Henson. He was the son of the late Deelus and Bertha Henson.
Bob retired as part-owner of Circle Eight Foods and a veteran of the United States Navy and Army National Guard. He was...
Dorothy Anne Potts
Feb 12, 2025
Dorothy Anne Bryson Potts, born on May 2,1943 to Bedford and Irene Bryson, passed away from a long battle with dementia on Wednesday, February 12,2025. A visitation will be held at Appalachian Funeral Services on Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 1pm-2pm with a memorial service to follow at 2pm.
Dorothy married Jay Lee Potts on February 15, 1967 and was a...
Amber Chantel Lutz
Feb 6, 2025
Amber Chantel Lutz of Sylva, North Carolina, passed away on February 6, 2025.
Amber was a vibrant and infectious spirit, known for her smile that could light up any room. She had a deep love for the mountains and enjoyed hiking, paddling, fishing, and all things Pittsburgh. Amber never met a stranger. She was kind to everyone she encountered and loved...
Mary Darcus Barnes
Feb 10, 2025
Mary Darcus Hensley Barnes, 82, died on February 10th, 2025.
Born in Jackson County, NC, Mary was one of nine children of Clyde and Mabel Martin Hensley. She was Valedictorian from the last graduating class of Webster High School. Passionate about health and wellness, she was Executive Secretary to Dr. Guy Karcher and Dr. Georgia Newsom. She was a devoted and...
Ann Houghton
Feb 2, 2025
Ann Elizabeth Houghton, 73, died on February 2, 2025, while hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ann was born in Dunedin, Florida, April 25, 1951, the first daughter of Alan Fisher Houghton and Edith Claire Smith Houghton. She was educated in the Dunedin public schools, and graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.A. in education...
Doris Theresa Painter
Feb 8, 2025
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Doris Theresa Painter, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Doris went on to be with our Lord, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, after a period of declining health.
Doris enjoyed the challenges of a good puzzle and loved singing as she adored the company of her family who she...
Byron Frank Custer
Feb 6, 2025
Byron F. Custer of Bryson City and Ocala, Florida, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, February 6th, 2025, while he was at a care facility in Lenoir, North Carolina.
Byron Custer had his residence in Bryson City, N.C., for some years now, and sometimes spent his winters in sunny Florida. He was born in Akron, Ohio in 1951, to the...
Berlen Hoxit
Feb 7, 2025
Berlen Hoxit, 84 of Tuckasegee, went home to be with The Lord Friday, February 7, 2025, after declining in health. He was a native and lifelong resident of Charleys Creek. Berlen was born on August 3, 1940, he was a known local Christmas Tree Farmer who loved his family more than anything.
Berlen is preceded in death by his beloved wife,...
Gena Denise Kim
Feb 6, 2025
Gena Denise Kim, previously of the Cranberry Falls Community of Jackson County, North Carolina, passed away on February 6, 2025, after a period of declining health. Gena was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Zina Kim of Chicago, Illinois. Additionally, Gena was preceded in death by a special friend, Frank Dubuy Jr.
No services are planned.
Allison Grant King
Jan 6, 2025
Allison Grant (Buddy) King
Friend, Father, Brother and Uncle.
Grant King went home to be with The Lord Jesus January 6th 2025. He was loved by his family for the gentle and caring “simple man” he was. He enjoyed mountain life by the river where a sign hung displaying the words “Troutabout” given to him by his Brother-in-law (preceded in death) Chuck...
Doyle Allen Shular
Feb 3, 2025
Doyle Allen Shular, age 87, of Locust Creek Rd, passed away peacefully at his home on February 3, 2025, after an extended illness. Born September 21, 1937 on Caney Fork, Doyle lived a life rooted in the land he loved. He spent many years working as a logger and handyman and was known for his strong work ethic. Throughout his...
Betty Paxton Reid
Feb 2, 2025
Betty Paxton Reid, 93, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
Betty was born on October 12, 1931 to the late William and Myrtle Crisp Paxton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by six siblings. She was a committed member of Woodland Church of Christ. Betty loved mailing cards to her friends...
Fred Marion Hooper
Feb 1, 2025
Fred Marion Hooper 76 of Cullowhee passed away on Saturday February 1, 2025. Marion was born on February 29, 1948 to the late Clyde and Edith Stiwinter Hooper. He was a lifelong resident of Jackson County.
Well known in the community for his self-taught mechanical skills, he enjoyed flea markets and meeting friends to enjoy laughs, conversation and trading knives.
In addition...
Mildred Carpenter Cole
Feb 1, 2025
Mildred Cole, a lifelong resident of Sylva, went home to be with the Lord on February 1st, 2025, at the age of 94 after a period of declining health.
In Mildred's early life her career began with her production of clothing and other lady’s apparel. Several of which were modeled in Raleigh at a variety of clothing shows. Mildred had a...
Mary Leopard Patterson
Feb 1, 2025
Mary Alice Leopard Patterson passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025 while residing at the Hermitage Assisted Living Facility in Dillsboro, North Carolina. Mary previously had lived in Sylva and Cullowhee, but grew up in Waynesville, North Carolina. While residing in Sylva, Mary attended church at the First United Methodist Church of Sylva where she enjoyed participating in choir activities.
Mary...