Iona M. Whitley, 82, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury, Maryland. She was born on August 1, 1926 in Airey, Maryland, a daughter of the late Lynn Marshall and Lydia (Phillips) Marshall. Mrs. Whitley graduated from Salisbury State Teachers College. Her first teaching position was at Peach Blossom School in Cambridge, Maryland. She went on to teach kindergarten at Delmar Elementary School for over 30 years, retiring in 1984. After retirement, she continued to be a mentor at the school. She also enjoyed walking Big Stone Beach and collecting shells. She is survived by a son and daughter in law, Alan and Margaret Whitley of Delmar; a brother in law, Kenneth E. Smith of Cambridge; a nephew, Kenneth L. Smith of Airey, Maryland; two nieces, Davey Jo Whitley-Pinsky of Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Belinda Bob Whitley of Camden, Delaware; a nephew, Dale Whitley of Dover, Delaware; four great nieces and great nephews; and her beloved cat "Sweet Pea." In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Whitley and a sister, Nadine Smith. At her request, there will not be a formal service. In memory of Mrs. Whitley, contributions may be sent to The Good Shepherd Cat Sanctuary, 32600 Landing Lane, Delmar, MD 21875 or to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.