Irene "Rene" Stroud Swaim Isley

Irene “Rene” Stroud Swaim Isley, 80, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Clapp’s Convalescent Nursing Home in Asheboro, North Carolina.

Rene was born on August 28, 1944, to Clarence Roddy and Pauline Christine Stroud Swaim. Born and raised in Asheboro, she was a beloved school teacher, adored by many throughout her more than 30-year career. Rene’s wicked sense of humor, fierce love, and unshakable tenacity touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. She faced life with courage, compassion, and a heart wide open, inspiring those around her every day. A dedicated teacher, Rene believed deeply in the power of education and kindness. She generously shared her knowledge, wisdom, and encouragement, nurturing growth and confidence in all whom she taught—whether in a classroom or through everyday acts of guidance and support. She saw the potential in everyone. May her memory be a source of strength, and may we carry her spirit forward by living with the same love, unshakable resilience, and unapologetic joy she gave so freely. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered for the love she gave and the lessons she imparted.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Carolyn Isley of Asheboro, and Christina Hartman, husband Michael, and grandchildren, Wyatt, Magnolia, and Pearl of Kula, Hawaii, and her sister, Jean Yelverton and husband, Bucky of Wilson, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the Isley family requests that donations be made in Mrs. Isley’s honor to the Randolph County Public Library, either by mail at: Friends of the Randolph County Public Libraries, P.O. Box 2806, Asheboro, NC 27204, or online at: https://friendsoftherandolphcountypubliclibraries.wildapricot.org/Donate.

A Celebration of Life for Irene Isley will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, August 8, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Asheboro, 224 N. Fayetteville St., Asheboro, NC 27203, with Rev. John Isley officiating. Refreshments will be served for family and friends prior to the service at 1pm. A private burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery of Liberty, NC.