Linda Isley, who taught science and math in the Upper School from 1970 until 1985, passed away on Monday, Nov. 18. She was 81.

​Isley was born in 1943 in Baltimore, Maryland, where her parents worked in a munitions factory for the war effort. She began her education at Nathaniel Greene School in Liberty, North Carolina, where she was a member of the last graduating class in 1962. She married Howard Isley on Dec. 20, 1964, during her junior year at UNC-Greensboro, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Physics with a minor in mathematics.

​The family moved to Raleigh in 1966, and Isley began her career as an educator in what was then called the Raleigh City Schools, teaching at Enloe, Broughton and Sanderson high schools.

​In 1970, she came to Ravenscroft, teaching science and math for the next 15 years. Isley served as chair of the Science Department, coordinated the development of curriculum for grades K-12, coordinated graduation — helping to secure graduation speakers including Vice President Gerald Ford (1974) and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole (1984) — and sponsored student government. She earned the Favorite Teacher Award from students and was honored by administration with the Outstanding Educator Award.

​Longtime Upper School teacher B.J. Warren called Isley “a good friend and treasured colleague who led with heart.”

​“In the classroom she was an encourager as well as a gifted teacher. As a student government leader and sponsor of other cocurricular activities, she led with love, respect, courage and wisdom,” Warren said. “The faculty was like family. We cared for, played and worked with each other, and shared our lives, homes and workplace.”

​Isley earned a Master of Education in Science Education from NC State in 1984. In 1985, she rejoined the now-consolidated Wake County Public School System, where she would spend the next 21 years as an administrator, ultimately serving as Assistant Superintendent.

​In 1996, Isley was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society, Omicron Rho Chapter for her contributions in education. She earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision from NC State in 1998.

​She continued her impact as an educator even in retirement, serving on the Board of Trustees of New Garden Friends School in Greensboro. She also put her energy and talents toward building a Brahman herd of cattle at Elm Tree Farm in Liberty and supporting Mount Pleasant Church Kimesville (formerly Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church) in various roles.

​Isley is survived by her husband and two daughters, Jacinda Isley Purrington ’84 and Melissa Isley Grice ’86, and their families.

​A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, Jan. 2, at 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Church Kimesville (4400 Alamance Church Road, Liberty, North Carolina). Family will receive friends after the celebration in the Fellowship Hall across the street. Those wishing to do so may make contributions to Mount Pleasant Church Kimesville or the charity of their choice.

​Read the full obituary and share condolences with the family here.