Janet Isbell

In the wee hours of the morning of Thursday, August 11 ^th , Janet C. Isbell was called to be with the Lord. Janet was born on January, 13 ^th , 1939. She was the daughter of Albert and Willie Gladman, whose last address was 811 Corpening Place in Lenior, North Carolina. A graduate of Freedman High School at the age of 16, she attended Shaw University, in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she received her degree in Education. She went on to wed a young man by the name of Maurice O’Neil Isbell and moved to Germany where he was stationed for a bit afterwards. After returning to the States, she taught in numerous places. The place she had the biggest impact however was in the state of Delaware. It was there that she served on the board to desegregate the schools in the state in an effort to make sure every school received the same amount of help. Janet was a Title I teacher and took her job SERIOUSLY. Impacting the lives of many a young man and woman along the way until she reached retirement age. Despite numerous offers and the cajoling of her superiors, Janet chose to stay in the teaching ranks so that she could truly have an impact. It was always about the children with her. Her spirit will live on in those students whose lives she poured into.

Janet’s ability to pour into a student in the classroom permeated into her private life as well. Janet had the ability to look through your soul, tell you the truth with a stern look and then turn right back around and fill your proverbial cup up with that smile of hers thus lifting you right back up. All with the same spirit and vigor. Her spirit spoke to many. She loved to travel and did so with Maurice in their retirement years. Janet was a good friend, a wonderful wife, excellent mother and a true confidant to many.

She is survived by her two sons, Mark Isbell and Maurice Isbell Jr., her brother John Gladman and her numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, students and others that she touched during her 83 years on this Earth.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Service on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 11:00 AM.