Betty Jean Wilkinson Isbell

Betty Isbell died peacefully surrounded by family on June 26, 2019. She was born in Caruthersville, Missouri on August 20, 1923 and grew up in Braggadocio, Missouri and Memphis. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Southwestern at Memphis/Rhodes College in 1945. After graduation she worked as a stewardess for Southern Airlines. Betty married her beloved, Homer Isbell on September 21, 1947, enjoying almost 71 years of an extraordinary and exemplary marriage. In 1950 they moved to Maryville and had four children: Jack, Kay, Jean and Julia. She devoted her time and talents to her marriage and children!

Betty faithfully loved God, family, church and community! Having a servant heart she dedicated herself in leadership to Maryville as president of Presbyterian Womens Association, Junior Service League, P.T.A., Medical Auxiliary and was a co-founder of Blount Memorial Hospice and Townsend Passion Play. She served as a Girl Scout troop leader for all of her daughters, delivered Meals-On-Wheels and was a Hospice volunteer. Betty was a deacon, elder, teacher, Bible Study/Circle leader, Presbytery elder and choir member of New Providence Presbyterian Church as well as serving in missions with Homer in Algiers, Dominican Republic, Haiti and the Navajo Reservation. She was passionate about learning and growing in Gods word, which motivated her to participate in Bible Study Fellowship, book club, Sunday School, VBS and Geneva Fellowship. Encouraging and loving all people was very important to her!

Betty had the precious gift of compassion, helping others throughout her life. She was known for her gracious hospitality as her home was a beautiful gathering place for all. She put her faith into action by following the example of Jesus Christ, passing this love of Jesus to her 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren! For her legacy we are eternally grateful! She will always be remembered and missed as a beloved and faithful wife, mother, grandmother and friend!

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, July 20, 2019 at New Providence Presbyterian Church.

Gifts may be made to New Providence Presbyterian Isbell Memorial or Blount Memorial Hospice.