of Conway, AR
July 16, 1923 - March 17, 2015
Barbara Louise Jones Isom of Conway went to be with her Lord Tuesday, March 17. She was born July 16, 1923 to Lon and Gertrude Jones of Mountain Home, Arkansas. She graduated from Mountain Home High School, attended Central College, and went on to the University of Arkansas where she received a degree in home economics. Upon graduation, Mrs Isom worked as a University Extension Service Home Economist in Van Buren County. Her career lasted one year before she met and married Collins Bates Isom of Conway.
Mrs. Isom remained at home while her five children were small. When they were old enough for school or nursery school, she enrolled in the State College of Arkansas (University of Central Arkansas) to acquire hours needed for an elementary teaching certificate. She operated the Jack and Jill Kindergarten, a private school, for thirteen years. During this time she campaigned for legislation to establish public kindergartens for Arkansas children and worked in Early Childhood Education Organizations. When the Conway Public School system decided to offer kindergarten for all children in the district, Mrs. Isom closed her school and accepted a teaching position in the public schools where she taught for eleven years. During the last years of teaching at her private school Mrs. Isom took a year off to participate in a program under the Experienced Personal Development Act and acquired a Master's degree from State College of Arkansas. The graduate students in this program were divided into teams to set up model kindergarten programs in several towns. Her team conducted their classes in the Cabot Public Schools and she commuted to Cabot for a year. She considered her teaching to be a God-given calling.
She joined people throughout the state to organize the Arkansas Association for Children Under Six, an affiliate of the Southern Association of the same name. She served on the board a number of years and was state secretary for two years. Mrs. Isom helped establish the Head Start Program in Conway and helped organize the Clifton Day Care Center where she served on the board for several years. She was a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma, PEO, Jr. Civil League, Daughters of the American Revolution, Delta Gamma Sorority, and Sewing Club.
Mrs. Isom was a resident of Conway for 67 years. She was a committed Christian and joined First Baptist Church in 1947. She was a member of the choir for over fifty years and worked in many areas of the church including the nursery, teaching Bible School, and working on missions. Mrs. Isom was a true example of a lifelong learner. She loved to travel, read, spend time with friends, sing, play the piano, and cheer for her favorite teams, the UCA Bears and Arkansas Razorbacks. Her family was her greatest delight. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She lived the past thirteen years at College Square Retirement Home on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas. She was a charter resident and enjoyed her life there meeting wonderful people, participating in activities at College Square and on the university campus.
Mrs. Isom was preceded in death by her husband, Collins Bates Isom in 1994, her parents Lon and Gertrude Jones, sister Lucille Jones, brothers, Jerry Simpson Jones, Lon Jones Jr., Virginia Jones, and Stanley Jones. She is survived by her children Mike and wife Susan, Julie Hill and husband Bobby, Jim Isom and wife Patrice, Melinda Gaston and husband Gary all of Conway and Joe Isom and wife Mary Jo of Arlington, Virginia, 14 grandchildren; Rhea Ann Hall, John David Isom ( Madonna), Bates Isom, Allie Isom, Dax Hill, Katie Struebing (Don), Elliot Isom (Amber), Jordan Isom, Betsy Leahan (Jason), Mary Gaston, John Collins Isom, Pam Stamp (Brent), Joe Spencer Isom and Emily Isom; 11 great-grandchildren; Sarah and Jessica Johnson, Cooper Hall, Taylor and Andrew Isom, Lincoln and Whitney Hill, Sam and Jack Struebing, and Elizabeth and Julia Leahan. She is also survived by a special sister-in-law, Nita Jones, lifelong friend Nannie Lee Trammel both of Mountain Home and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and dear friends in Conway.
The family wishes to express gratitude to Mrs. Isom's caring doctors at the Thomas and Lyon Longevity Clinic at UAMS; Dr. Kahn, Dr. Wei, Dr. Azhar, and Dr. Raza; Hospice Homecare; Caregiver Cynthia Tillman; and the wonderful staff at College Square.
A celebration service of Mrs. Isom's life will be held Friday, March 20th at 1:00 pm at Conway's First Baptist Church. Visitation will follow at the church from 2-4 pm. Dr. Dale Wicker will be officiating the service. Memorials may be made to Conway's First Baptist Church.
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33 Condolence(s)
Ann Crafton Webb
Monday, March 30, 2015
Isom family - your mom was the best! I attended Jack & Jill under her guidance and I am sure the number of children she taught are numerous.
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Ann Crafton Webb
nessa
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the loss of your loved one.In the scriptures Job 14:14,15 and John 5:28, God promises that he will resurrect our loved ones in the near future .I hope that Jehovah , the God of comfort grant you peace.
Gohar Azhar
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your mother, who was an extremely precious and lovely lady. I watched the video and it made me realize how many lives she has enriched! It was my privilege to have spent even the brief time I did with her, towards the end of her journey. May she rest in peace eternally.
Ann and David Peters
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Mike and Julie,
We are so very sorry for your loss. I knew your mom was an amazing educator, but I did not realize how MUCH she had done. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I know your faith and wonderful memories will help you through these difficult days.
Carmen Thomas
Saturday, March 21, 2015
May God comfort you as you travel this journey of sorrow and loss. Mrs Barbara meant so much to me.
Harold & Betty Horton
Friday, March 20, 2015
May God's love and grace bring comfort and peace to all the Isom's...Our sympathy and love, Harold & Betty Horton
Patricia Palmer
Friday, March 20, 2015
Melinda & Family,
As we continue to pray for you and your family. I pray that God gives strength and guidance for these upcoming days.
Alston
Friday, March 20, 2015
My sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one, Mrs. Isom. I hope all your fine memories of her help you through this sad and difficult time. May God's promise of paradise, where death will be swallowed up forever and where we will be reunited with our dead loved ones who are in His memory, be a source of comfort to you. (Isaiah 25:8; John 5:28, 29; Psalm 37:11, 29)
Jasmine Ray
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Melinda, Gary, and Family:
I am very sorry for your loss. Please know that your work family is keeping you all in their thought and prayers.
Jasmine
Debbie Lambert
Thursday, March 19, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I loved your mom. I smile everytime I think of her. She was a wonderful example in every part of her life. I join you in celebrating the beautiful person she was and your sweet memories if her.
God bless you all,
Debbie Lambert
Shelly Spradlin Duke
Thursday, March 19, 2015
What a sweet kindergarten teacher. I'll always love her! She was kind and she loved us. Thank you to Mrs. Julie ands well. I'm sure neither of you could realize the good that you have done. God bless you.
John Ziegler
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Iris and I would like to extend our sympathy to the Isom family with the passing of Barbara. For ten years I knew her as a resident and friend at College Square. We had many good discussions about books and plays during that time. She was always interested in important events and ideas of the day. She was a wonderful person to have as a friend. I know she will be missed by all who knew her.
Jeanie and Gerry Conley
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Deep sympathy for your family. Our prayers are with you all.
Mary l jones
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Thank you for teaching my son in kindergarten. He adored you and I know you loved him!. Guy class of 74 and 75. Love Miss Barbara!
Aimee Reynolds Prince
Thursday, March 19, 2015
I had Mrs. Barbara in kindergarten. I have so many fond memories of her class because she made everyday special. As a adult I would see her out and about and she would always speak to me and tell me a story about something she remembered about me. She even took the time to send me a kind note when I got married. I am saddened to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. She was one of a kind.
Jayne Pyle
Thursday, March 19, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. You and Gary will be in my thoughts.
Louise Branscomb
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Melinda & Family:
My prayers are with you and your family. May God's love comfort and strengthen each of you during this time.
Kaye Hoggard
Thursday, March 19, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved Mrs. Isom as did everyone! My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Ron and Karen Matthews
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. Barbara was a great example of a lady to all who knew her.
Madelyn M Adams
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Dear Julie and family,
Jerry and I send you our most sincere condolences on the death of your mother. We'll always remember Miss Barbara as an innovative educator, a community spirit, and FUN! She will be remembered and missed by many. In your sadness, may your pride in and your gratefulness to your mama sustain you.
Barbara Satterfield
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Sending sympathies to all the wonderful Isoms. Barbara was an important part of many lives, and many of us join you in missing her delightful presence.
Nancy Rhodes
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
I have always thought so much of Mrs. Isom. I had the privilege of observing and learning from her when I went back to school for my kindergarten certification. She was so wonderful with children and my oldest daughter actually had her for kindergarten. I visited with her recently and was so glad to spend a few minutes with her. You are all in my prayers.
Linda Thrasher
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Mrs. Barbara was my kindergarten teacher in 1977-78. I loved that she created a nurturing classroom which fostered a love of learning. Ironically, I have been teaching at her high school (Mtn. Home) for the past 19 years. She definitely influenced my career choice. R.I.P. Mrs. Barbara.ðŸ»
Vickie Butler
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
I loved Mrs. Isom and will miss her. She always knew me anywhere we ran into each other. Knowing that she knew so many people, it impressed and pleased me that she always called me by name!
Raye Jean Dow Linn
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Frank ie Kinard
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Mike & Julie,
Sorry to hear about your MOM..All my condolences & Prayers to you & your families.
Nancy Barham
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Jimmy & Patrice,
I'm so sorry about the loss of your dear mother & mother in law. She surely did live a life to be proud of, and I know she will be missed by all who knew her. My heart goes out to you & your family. May God comfort you with His peace. Love, Nancy
Bill & Linda Satterwhite Cossey
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Mike and family...so saddened to hear of Mrs. Barbara's passing...she was a true blessing to all that had the pleasure of dealing with her...both my sons have pleasant memories of Jack and Jill...our thoughts and prayers are with you...Heavenly Father, please wrap Your loving arms around this family...carry them through the times to come...Amen
Wayne Chaney
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Joe and family, my deepest condolences. You and your family will be in our prayers. You mother sounded like she had a very fulfilling life,
Dean Wise
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
I have enjoyed Barbara for the last 6-1/2 years here at College Square.. I will miss her and miss hearing her play the piano.
Valerie
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
I have always loved what a wonderful person you were, you touched my life in so many ways. I still remember Jack and Jill Kindergarten. You will be missed my many. Its your time to rest. Love you Aunt Barbara!
Nancy Allen
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Mike and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you strength and comfort as you rejoice in your Mom's life.
Kay
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Julie and Family, my sincere sympathy in the loss of your precious Mother. Even though I didn't know her, after reading her obituary, I am sure she was truly a very special Mom and lady that had a lifetime of accomplishments. May you each find peace and comfort in God's Grace.