Obituaries

Eugene (Stiggy) Stigman

Eugene (Stiggy) Stigman, 73, of the Birdtown Community, went peacefully to his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. A native of Minnesota and longtime resident of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Helen Stigman.

Jimmy (Bo) Craig

Jimmy (Bo) Craig, 64, of the Big Cove Community went home to be with the Lord Thursday, July 14, 2022. A native of Buncombe County and longtime resident of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Garland and Lucille Craig.

Emelene Rice Crouch

Emelene Rice Crouch, 91, wife of the late Greer Howard Crouch, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 08, 2022 at Murphy Rehabilitation and Nursing. Emelene was born January 08, 1931 in Madison County, N.C. to the late Leroy Rice and Thelma Faye Ramsey.

Doyle Vincent Loftis

Doyle Vincent Loftis, Alarka’s hardest working man, stepped into glory this past Sunday evening, July 10, 2022 at the age of 83. He was born on July 15, 1938 in Swain County to parents Clarence Vernon “Bood” and Velma Parris Loftis, deceased.

Nettie Robinson Oliver

Nettie Robinson Oliver, 95, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2022. A native of Haywood and former resident of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Aaron Benjamin and Lillie Mae Miller Robinson and wife of the late James C. Oliver.

Rebecca Mae Monteith Elliott

Rebecca Mae Monteith Elliott left this world to be with her Savior, Tuesday, June 28, 2022, surrounded by family.

James Edward Cochran

James Edward Cochran, 78, of Bryson City passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late ZV and Hila Brendle Cochran. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sheila Estep.

Don Lackey

Don Lackey, 75, went home to be with the Lord on the 20th of June, at his home in Swain County. A native of Swain County, son of the late Mamie and Tom Lackey.

Travis Ray Hayes

Travis Ray Hayes, 36, of Bryson City went home to be with the Lord Monday, June 27, 2022. A native of Bryson City he was the son of Bobby Ray Hayes Jr. Of Bryson City and Sue Wright of Whittier.

Mary Louise Kirkland

Mary Louise Kirkland, age 54, passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, June 26th, 2022. Mary was born on January 1st, 1968, to her late mother, Dolly Marie Kirkland. She was a kind, caring, loving, feisty, and compassionate woman.