Linda Isley Obituary

Linda Wall Isley

March 20, 1939 - January 2, 2025

Raleigh, North Carolina - Linda Ashley Wall Isley, age 85, of Martinsville, VA passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC, surrounded by family.

She was born on March 20, 1939, in New York City to the late Dr. Roger Irving Wall and Phyllis Stier Wall but was raised in Raleigh, NC. Linda graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School in 1957 and earned her BA in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was a lifetime Tar Heel fan. Linda moved to Martinsville, VA with her husband, Ran, and spent over 28 years as an elementary school teacher, primarily at Carlisle School. She was known for her love of Greek mythology, the importance of good manners, and awarding sour balls for excellence. She adored her students, and they loved her.

Linda's commitment to her community extended beyond the classroom. She was a faithful member of Christ Episcopal Church, having served on the Vestry several times, an active member of the Garden Study Club, Martinsville Literary Club, Investment Club, Chatmoss Country Club, and a sustaining member of the Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County. She served on the Board of Directors at Adult Day Care for many years and was so proud to have been elected President in 2003.

Linda developed a deep appreciation for travel, a passion she shared with her parents. No matter where she went in the world, she never met a stranger. While she acquired many collectables during her travels, she always treasured her family the most. The last place she traveled was her home away from home, Atlantic Beach, NC where she was always surrounded by friends and family. All who knew her admired her vibrant personality, generosity, and resilience.

In addition to her parents, Linda is preceded in death by her sisters, Phyllis Wall Purdy and newborn, Sandra Wall. Linda is survived by her husband, L. Randolph Isley, and her two children, her son, Philip Randolph Isley, and wife, Laura of Raleigh, NC, her daughter, Elizabeth Isley Riley, and husband, Colin of Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and three grandchildren; Grace Elizabeth Isley, Walker Randolph Riley, and Holt William Riley, two sisters, Audrey Wall Black, and husband Jimmy, of Raleigh, NC and Barbara Wall Fraser and husband, Norm Jones of St. Louis, MO. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family would also like to express their deepest gratitude to her medical providers, as well as Dorothy Hairston, Diane Hunt, and Debra Moore for their unwavering care, love, and the cherished friendship they shared with our mother over the years.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home at 109 Broad St., Martinsville, VA.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 17, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 311 E. Church Street, Martinsville, VA. A reception will follow.

A celebration of life will also be held in Raleigh, NC on Thursday, March 20. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Linda Wall Isley Scholarship Fund, Carlisle School, PO Box 5388, Martinsville, VA 24115 or Christ Episcopal Church, 311 E. Church Street, Martinsville, VA 24112.

Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, 109 Broad St., Martinsville, VA, is handling the arrangements in Virginia. Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, is serving the family in Raleigh.