Barbara Lou Isbell

Barbara Lou Isbell, 94, of Cordell, Oklahoma, passed away early on the morning of September 30, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born on April 17, 1929, to Fred Jackson & Wilma Lucille (Marx) Simpson, in their home on the family farm, in Bushong, Kansas. After crops failed due to drought, the family moved from Kansas to Lake Valley, Oklahoma, where she started first grade. In 1937, they moved to New Mexico for a short time, and then traveled on to Corcoran, California in a Model A Ford to find work. Every family member did their part to make ends meet - even the children were paid for picking cotton and harvesting grapes and prunes. Barbara was 12 when the family moved to the Cloud Chief area, where she attended school, and met George Vernon Isbell. After much planning, on April 18, 1945, Barbara and George left school, and rode with the mailman to Cordell, where they retrieved George's suit and Barbara's dress, stashed in the trunk of George's Aunt Mary's car. They boarded the bus, and rode to Sayre where George was forced to go in alone to get the marriage license, because Barbara refused to lie about her age. This was the day after her 16th birthday, and George had filled out the license stating that Barbara was 18 and he was 21, when he was actually 18. They were married in the Parlor of the Sayre Methodist Church. Within 3 months of their marriage, George was drafted, and transferred to Port Hueneme, California, where Barbara was able to join him for a short while. After George's discharge from the Navy, they farmed for two years, and then George attended college and seminary, paving the way for their lifetime of service in ministry. They were blessed with 5 children. Serving 14 appointments in their ministry, Barbara provided a positive attitude for her family, encouraging their children to see the adventure in making new friends and discovering new places. She was the most loving mother, wonderful cook, talented seamstress, Girl Scout leader, happy camper on their annual vacations, gardener, and the best pickles and pickled okra maker EVER.

Barbara was preceded in death by her Parents; her loving Husband of 73 years, George; Brothers: Gene Simpson, Darrell Simpson; Sister: Betty Fenn; Brothers-in-Law: Doyle Fenn, Don McManaman, Edgar Louis Isbell, Leroy Vick, Clyde Vermillion, Wayman Penner, Randall Calvert; Sisters-in-Law: Faye Simpson, Frances Simpson, Joan Simpson, Marthalu Isbell, Maxine Isbell, Fern Vermillion, Betty Vermillion, Laretha Vick, Oleta Isbell, Adalou Penner, Juhree Calvert; Son-in-Law: Jim Blackard

Survivors include: Children: Patricia Isbell Blackard, Bonham, TX; Eddie Isbell & Peggy (Leggett), Cordell, OK; Helen Isbell Henderson & Larry, Cordell, OK; Annette Isbell Bell & Terrel, Follett, TX; Paula Isbell Mann & Todd, Palmer, AK

Grandchildren: Lisa Blackard Ortiz & Ben, Kenneth Blackard & Ruth,
Becky Isbell Phillips & Jon, Kyle Isbell & Rhiannon, Anna Isbell Feltman & Levi,
Samantha Henderson & Brad Gore, Joe Henderson & Adrianna, Sarah Henderson Wunderlich & Josh, Patrick Bell & Becky, Bryan Bell & Jessica, Amber Bell Kennedy & Neal, Audra Mann-Janz & Tom Janz, Levi Mann & Jami

Great-Grandchildren: Justin Blackard-Ortiz, Brittany Ortiz & Shonda, Trevor Franklin, Jacob Phillips, Payton Phillips, Kylee Isbell, Jayce Isbell, McKenzy Isbell, Billie Wilson Buentello & Krystian, Kendra Wilson, Hannah Smith, Eli Smith, Kimber Feltman, Milli Feltman, Brett Feltman, Soren Henderson, Beatrice Wunderlich, Simon George Wunderlich, Louisa Wunderlich, Agnes Wunderlich, Jessa Bell, Alexis Bell, Kendall Bell, Brooklyn Bell, Melody Kennedy, Liam Kennedy, Scott Budig, Jadyn Budig, Camden Budig

Great-Great Grandchildren: Pitcher Scott, Theo Buentello

Sisters: Yvonne McManaman, Yukon, OK; Gwen Ware & Bob, Edmond, OK

In-Laws: Joy Simpson, Lawton, OK; W.H. "Bill" Isbell, Rogers, AR

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Barbara leaves a legacy of faith, hard work, integrity, truth, and sharing Christ's love to all. Well done, good and faithful servant!


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Cordell First United Methodist Church, PO Box 378, Cordell, OK 73632

Funeral: 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 7, 2023
First United Methodist Church
Cordell, Oklahoma
Interment: South Burns Cemetery
Dill City, Oklahoma
Visitation: 9:00 a.m.~8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 5, 2023
9:00 a.m.~8:00 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2023
Family welcoming guest from 6:00 p.m.~ 8:00 p.m.
Ray & Martha's Funeral Home
Cordell, Oklahoma