Isabel Lumsden Couch

Isabel Lumsden Couch of Sautee- Nacoochee passed away Monday, November 29, 2010. She was a life long educator, mentor, and friend.

Mrs. Couch was born in Nacoochee Valley on May 9, 1915 to Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Lumsden. She attended Nacoochee Institute, graduated from Nacoochee High School, attended Piedmont College for three years where she was elected to the Torch Honor Society and played on the basketball team. In 1936, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS degree in Education and Mathematics. She later earned a Masters Degree in Education and a Specialist in Education Degree from the University of Georgia.

Mrs. Couch's education career began as a classroom teacher at Clarkesville. She went on to become Supervisor and Curriculum Director in the schools of Pickens, Stephens, Lumpkin, and Habersham Counties. In addition, she directed summer workshops and taught coursed for North Georgia College (now North Georgia College and State University), Piedmont College, and the University of Georgia. After retirement in 1972, she continued with her interest in education, working part time with the White County Title I Federal Program, teaching courses for the University of Georgia, serving as Executive Secretary for the Georgia Department of Instructional Supervisors, and serving two terms on the White County Board of Education .

Education was not her only interest. She was a member of the Nacoochee Presbyterian Church, where she was elected the first female elder, member of the Nacoochee Women's club, and served as chairperson of the Regional Library Board.

In 1975, she and Clarence Couch were married. Their home in Nacoochee Valley was warm and hospitable to members of their families and their community. Isabel and Clarence Couch were active in the endeavor to preserve the Sautee and Nacoochee Valleys and worked tirelessly to restore the building that once housed the Nacoochee School. The efforts of the community led to the formation of the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association. She served on the board of directors for many years and was a lifetime member.

Mrs. Couch is survived by brother, Walter B. Lumsden of Sweetwater, Tennessee, brother and sister-in