Mary Sue Casey

Mary Sue Casey was born on April 18, 1952 to the late Lyndon Casey and Minnie Worley Casey. She passed away on Feb. 21, 2026.

Known for her independence, generosity, optimism, enthusiasm, and courage, Mary Sue excelled academically and personally from an early age. She enjoyed reading and playing board games during childhood. Educated in Jackson County, North Carolina public schools, she graduated from Sylva-Webster High School and subsequently earned both a BS in Education (1974) and a MA in Education (1984) from Western Carolina University.

Mary Sue dedicated 25 years to teaching high school mathematics at Sun Valley High School in Union County, North Carolina. She was recognized as Teacher of the Year, served as math department chairperson, and sponsored the geometry team for math meets at the College of Charleston, Furman, UNC-Charlotte, and Wingate College. Additionally, she coached the varsity cheerleaders, leading them to three consecutive state championships, and served on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Cheerleader Coaches Association.

In 1998, Mary Sue returned to Sylva and began teaching at Smoky Mountain High School, becoming the institution’s first African-American teacher. She was again named Teacher of the Year in 2000 and coached junior varsity cheerleaders. After seven years at Smoky Mountain High School, she initially retired but soon resumed teaching at Cherokee High School, where she continued her passion for education.

When asked about differences among students of various ethnic backgrounds, she responded that children are similar regardless of ethnicity. Teaching was more than a profession for Mary Sue; it was her vocation and purpose. She retired from Cherokee High School in December 2014, then continued part-time at Heritage Christian School in Webster, N.C., and tutored Trevon VanHook, a home-schooled student, until her passing.

Mary Sue embraced her faith early, joining Liberty Baptist Church and participating in numerous youth programs. In Monroe, she joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, serving as co-chairman for the Senior Missionary Group #1, director of Vacation Bible School, and active member of Sunday School. Upon returning to Sylva, she continued service at Liberty Baptist Church as Christian Education Director and Sunday School teacher. Her involvement extended to the Waynesville Missionary Baptist Association as Christian Education Director and secretary of the Women’s Missionary Auxiliary and Sunday School Congress.

Beyond her work and church commitments, Mary Sue actively engaged with her community. In Monroe, she was part of the “All God’s Children” Collector Club. In Sylva, she was a member and past president of Bridging Jackson Communities, which promoted racial unity, and participated in “One Dozen Who Cares,” supporting minority women in Western North Carolina. She was also affiliated with the Eastern Star Chapter 416B and the Sylva NAACP. In 2016, Mary Sue received Sylva’s annual citizenship award at the town board meeting. An avid sports fan, she supported the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Golden State Warriors.

Mary Sue is survived by her sister, Audrey Casey of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; her brother, Lyndon Casey Jr. of Arden, N.C.; three godchildren – Tiffany McDowell of Hendersonville, N.C., Dori Deese-Willoughby of Monroe, NC, and Roger Toxey of Austin, Texas and numerous cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at Appalachian Funeral Services. A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Liberty Baptist Church. Rev. Charles Lee will be officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens.