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Human Resources » In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Isle of Wight County Schools considers all current and past employees as part of our family. We celebrate them when they are with us, and when they retire. We also know many members of the community would like to join in celebrating them when they are no longer with us. To that end, IWCS has created a page where anyone can share information on the passing of a former employee. The information will be posted below. To submit information, use the online In Memoriam form.  Thank you.
  • Alice Brower:  Alice Brower, a dedicated educator and compassionate leader, passed away on April 26, 2025 (age 80) leaving behind a legacy of service, scholarship, and love. Born in Bertie County, NC, she pursued higher education at St. Augustine’s College, where she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her remarkable career in education spanned more than 40 years and included roles as a French and English teacher, school counselor, assistant principal at Smithfield High School, and director of school counseling with Isle of Wight County Schools. She continued shaping young minds even after retirement, earning accolades such as Teacher of the Year. A faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church and lifelong servant in Delta Sigma Theta, Mrs. Brower leaves behind her devoted husband of 56 years, Walter Brower Sr., her sons Dr. Walter Brower Jr. and Cedric Brower, beloved grandchildren, great-grandson, and a host of family and friends. Her vibrant spirit and unwavering commitment to others will be deeply missed.
 
  • William "Bill" Mebane:  Bill Mebane, husband of Mrs. Roberta Robinson Mebane, passed on May 13, 2025.  Mr. Mebane served as an Assistant Principal at Smithfield High School.
 
  • Thomas Beamon: Thomas Beamon departed this earthly life on May 1, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Thomas enjoyed some 35 years in a career that he truly loved, teaching and coaching in the Public Schools. His first year began as head Football Coach and Science Teacher in Amelia County Virginia Public Schools. After two years, he accepted employment as head Football Coach and Drivers’ Education teacher in New Bern, North Carolina. Three years later, he was hired as head Football Coach at Westside High School in Smithfield, Virginia (Isle of Wight County Schools). Following the realignment of Isle of Wight County Schools, Thomas became head Basketball Coach at Smithfield High School. There he enjoyed a stellar career, dedicating himself to guiding young athletes, instilling not only the fundamentals of basketball but also invaluable life lessons of perseverance, integrity, and camaraderie. More than just a coach, Thomas was a mentor and role model whose influence stretched far beyond the court. His infectious enthusiasm as coach/teacher left a lasting mark on generations of students. He spent his last several years in the district at Smithfield Elementary School teaching Health and Physical Education. He retired after thirty years of service in the Isle of Wight County Schools. Thomas was a lifelong and most dedicated member of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. He served as President of the Male Usher Board; member of Sunday School Class and Lay Organization; former Trustee; former Member of Adult Choir and Male Chorus. He wrote and produced several plays of Biblical Themes that were performed at Emanuel by selected members of the congregation.
 
  • Darlene Spratley:   Darlene Spratley passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 9:05 a.m. in Hampton Health and Rehab, Hampton, VA at the age of 86. Darlene attended Isle of Wight Training School until the 8th grade, quitting school to help her father on the family's farm. Darlene was a hard worker. Her employment began at Battery Park Fish & Oyster Company where she shucked oysters. Next, she went to Gwaltney's Packing Plant where she worked on the kill floor. Darlene also worked for Pretlow and Chapman Funeral Home and L. W. Herring & Co. Funeral Home (both in Smithfield) doing whatever was needed to help the business run smoothly. Darlene then became a Certified Nursing Assistant. Darlene ended with retirement in 1996 after 13 years with Isle of Wight Public Schools as a bus driver. But instead of sitting down somewhere and relaxing, she continued to do private duty nursing and babysitting.
 
  • Tyris Hill: Tyris Hill was born on November 13, 1963 and passed away on April 8, 2025. Tyris was employed with Isle of Wight County Schools from 2008 to 2014. During his tenure, he worked at Smithfield High as the Dean of Students, Varsity Football Coach and Outdoor Track Coach. He was a PE teacher at Westside Elementary and served as an Administrative Aide and as a member of the School Leadership Team. To honor the wishes of our beloved Tyris Hill, a private graveside service will be held at a disclosed location for close family and friends. We understand how deeply Tyris touched the lives of so many. To honor his memory and allow everyone the opportunity to celebrate his life, a public memorial service will be held at a later date. Event details will be shared as they become available. Thank you for your continued love, support, and understanding during this time. With love and gratitude, The Family of Tyris.
 
  • Matt Ployd: Matthew Robert Ployd, 47, of Smithfield, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. He was the son of Patricia Piland Ployd and the late Christopher Riddle Ployd. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Karen Gayle Ployd; daughter, Emily Grace Ployd; son, Jonathan Christopher Ployd; grandchildren, Rowan Christopher Ployd and Esme’ Olivia Ployd; brother, Adam Douglas Ployd (Diane); nephew, Isaac Christopher Ployd; his in laws, Carl and Patsy Barlow; and many other family and friends that held dear. Mr. Ployd had his master’s in education and was a World History/Government Teacher and retired Debate Coach at SHS. As a teacher, he inspired generations of students with his wisdom and care. In the kitchen, he created meals that brought joy to all. A skilled guitarist, his music touched many hearts. Above all, he was a devoted husband and father, whose love for his family knew no bounds. Matt’s legacy will live on in the lives that he touched and the love he gave. A memorial service was held on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, at 7:00pm, in the auditorium of Smithfield High School. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to start a Scholarship fund in his honor. Please contact Mrs. Ployd for information at [email protected]
 
  • Kristin Felts: Kristin Wiley Felts, 50, passed away March 5, 2025 in a tragic car accident. Kristin was born in Norfolk on October 12, 1974, was a 1992 graduate of Kempsville High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Longwood University in 1996. She was a teacher at Smithfield Middle School, where she taught for 28 years. Kristin was a member of the Franklin Bronco Booster Club, the Hand Bell Choir at Franklin Baptist Church, Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, the Franklin Baptist Church Book Club, and a founding member of Longwood University Women’s Soccer team. Her co-teachers stated, “She was the sunshine and goofball of the school. You knew you would laugh when she was around. She had a name for everyone.” Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 25 years, Travis Winston Felts; daughters Kayla Jeanette Felts, Abby Leigh Felts, and Brooke Mitchell Felts; her parents, Albert “Ward” Wiley and Sandra “Sandy” Baker Wiley; her twin sister, Kimberly Wiley Ogle; her father and mother-in-law, Frederick “Freddy” Felts and Martha Barnes Felts; and nieces and nephews, Madison Felts, Cohen Ogle, and Kinston Felts. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Franklin Baptist Church missions ministry.
 
  • Clara Mathews: Clara Matthews passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the age of 81. Affectionately known as “Ann,” she pursued a career in education and served as a teacher in Isle of Wight County at Hardy Elementary School for over 30 years. Throughout that time, she taught grades one through three and always remembered any student who later crossed her path. She prided herself in understanding her students’ learning pace and finding creative ways to meet and motivate them. Her consistent guidance to each young person was to “get your education.” Ann will be remembered by her family and many friends for her sense of humor, independence, love of a good meal, and unwavering strength. She will be greatly missed.
 
  • Dorothy Cobb: Dorothy Downs Cobb, 93, passed away on November 18, 2024. Dorothy was a school nurse for many years finally retiring from Windsor Elementary in 1991. She loved the Lord and was an active part of Antioch Christian Church for over 50 years. She was born on March 7, 1931 to the late Don Edmund and Roberta Downs. A visitation was held at Wright Funeral Home on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 6 to 8PM. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Peninsula Rescue Mission, 3700 Huntington Ave., Newport News, VA 23607.
 
  • Lee Flemming: Edward “Lee” Flemming III, 75, passed away November 6, 2024. He was raised in Lakeland, FL and predeceased by his son, Joshua P. Flemming. Lee retired as a sales manager after working numerous years in the cement industry. He was a member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Windsor Youth Foundation. Lee is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia “Patty” A. Flemming; children and their spouses, and grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Service was held Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Windsor Congregational Christian Church. The family requests that in lieu of sending sympathy cards they invite you to write a story or memory of Ed to share with them. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Windsor Youth Foundation.
 
  • Gloria Montgomery: Gloria Allmond Montgomery, 73, passed away on September 6, 2024, at Riverside Regional Medical Center. Gloria attended Westside High School in Smithfield, Virginia. She was an outstanding basketball player for the girls’ basketball team, winning All-District Honors. She graduated in 1969. She began her lifelong mission to educate students at Cypress and Whaleyville Elementary Schools. After teaching at these schools, she began to teach at L. P. Jackson Middle School, in Surry, Virginia in the mid 1980’s. After taking a brief sabbatical from teaching, Gloria resumed her career at Westside Middle School. She then taught at Smithfield Middle School, where she would serve for nearly thirty years. She retired in 2016.
 
  • Carolyn Darden: Carolyn English Darden, 83, passed away March 21, 2024 in her home with her family by her side. Born on March 17, 1941 in Suffolk, she was the daughter of the late William Henry English and Goldie Stephenson English. Carolyn was a graduate of Windsor High School and a retired school bus driver for Carrsville Elementary School. She was employed by IWCS from 1977 until 2003 when she retired.
 
  • Verna Jones: Verna McClenny Jones passed away February 8, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Jean and Fate McClenny of Carrsville, VA. She is also predeceased by her brother, Mac McClenny, and son-in-law, Tracy Carr. Verna taught at Carrsville Elementary School and Windsor Elementary School. In 2000, she moved to Central Office to oversee Testing and Assessment for the division. She retired from IWCS in 2009.
 
  • Joyce Delk: On January 19, 2024, Joyce Lavern Delk passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones. Joyce was born on January 31, 1952, in Surry, Virginia, to the late Bernard “Dick” and Pattie Mae (Sally) King. She was one of nine children. Joyce served as a school bus driver for over 30 years for Isle of Wight County Schools. She transported as many as three generations of families to and from school safely. She was well-respected in the community and cherished by all her students and colleagues.
 
  • Susan Mingee: Susan Catherine Mingee passed away at Sentara Careplex Hospital on November 11, 2023. In 1979, she began teaching for Isle of Wight County School System at Hardy Elementary School as a Title One Reading Intervention teacher. During her tenure at Hardy Elementary, Miss Mingee received many awards and certificates of accomplishments and served as President of the Isle of Wight Reading Council for many years. Although there were many rewarding achievements, she was most proud to be voted "Teacher of the Year" at Hardy Elementary in 2009. She retired on June 14, 2011.
 
  • Elisabeth Fuller: Elisabeth “Liz” Hildebrand Fuller, 75, went into the arms of the Lord on November 30, 2023. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, daughters Anne Fuller Fike and Eresbet Ashley Spain, sons-in-law Matthew Fike and James Spain, 3 grandchildren, Christopher, Lana and Tora, cousins Bob and Anne Gilliland, mother-in-law Effie Fuller, sister and brother-in law Sherry and Matt Johnson, and nieces and nephews. Liz was a longtime member of Colosse Baptist Church, as well as a member of the Woman’s Club of Windsor. She was also a dedicated champion of education, working both in the Baltimore, MD and Isle of Wight Co, VA school systems during her lifetime.