Locke was a cheerleader and class valedictorian in junior high. From 1958, she attended Shelbyville Central High School, where she was again valedictorian and voted "Duchess of Studiousness" by classmates. She also played on the girls' basketball team, served as PTSA representative and was president of the French club. (Regardless, she wasn't considered "date material" by the lotharios of her class.) Following graduation in 1962, Locke enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro on a full scholarship. Majoring in drama, she was a member of the Alpha Psi Omega honor society while at MTSU and appeared onstage in "Life with Father" and "The Crucible". She dropped out after completing two semesters of study.