With strong roots and deep love for western North Carolina communities, coach leaves behind a legacy in resilience, strength, kindness and loyalty.

John Lawrence Laney Jr., 59, of Cherokee, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Howard “Skipper” Vincent Sneed, 85, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

Sara Jane Lambert, 85, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away and went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, after a brief hospital stay at Cherokee Indian Hospital.

Kaytlin Elizabeth Jones, 23, of Bryson City, N.C., went home to be with the Lord Sunday, June 14, 2026. A native of Swain County and enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, she was the daughter of Yancey and Amanda Dyer Jones of Bryson City.

Nannie “Nan” Thompson Brown, 86, of Graham County and the Snowbird Community, N.C., was reunited with her loving husband and welcomed into her heavenly home on Monday, June 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Thomas Bud Welch, 82, of Cherokee, passed away Monday, June 8, 2026. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Cecil and Mae Welch and husband of the late Susan Irene Waidsutte Welch who he was married to for 39 years.

Shauna Conseen-Teesatuskie, 48, of the Yellow Hill Community, Cherokee, N.C., unexpectedly passed away at Cherokee Hospital on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.