Isabella Spease, affectionately known as "Izzy" or "Aunt Isabel", was born January 31, 1932 to Idella Bellinger.

Isabella was a graduate of Carver High School. After high school she enrolled at Winston-Salem Teachers College (WSSU) where she received as BS degree in education. She later earned an MS degree in education for NC A&T State University. While at Winston-Salem Teachers College she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Isabella was a former teacher in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School system before becoming a reading specialist for the federal government in Manheim, Germany. She devoted over 32 years of her life teaching children how to read.

In addition to her mother, Isabella was preceded in death by her niece, Lori Leak.

Isabella is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline Taylor; grandchildren, Cedric Taylor and Melody (Joseph) Brim; great-granddaughters, Imani and Mya; a beloved sister, Marie Leak; devoted nieces and nephew, Karen, Sharon, Valerie, Cookie, Melody, Lisa, and Garvis; and a host of cousins and friends to cherish her memories.

"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Friday, January 6, 2017 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Kendall D. Jones, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 1:00pm until 2:00pm on Friday at the Chapel.