Mary Nell Isbell, 93, of Fort Payne died at her home Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Born April 30, 1932, to Horace Blakely and Viola Turner Norwood of the Pleasant Hill community, she attended Plainview School, then graduated from DeKalb County High School in 1950. She married her high school sweetheart Dr. John B. Isbell, III, in February of 1952, after his return from the Korean War. The next eight years saw her managing a household, giving birth to their three children, and working at a variety of jobs as she and Dr. John negotiated the early years of their marriage. She spoke fondly and often of her early married life and was particularly proud of her job in Birmingham at the national headquarters of Southern Baptist Women’s Missionary Union, serving as secretary to Alma Hunt, its Executive Director.
Moving back to Fort Payne in 1960, Mary Nell supported the fledgling Isbell Clinic as its first manager. She became a very active member of First Baptist Church, serving in various roles over the next several decades, including singing in the Sanctuary Choir for close to sixty years, hosting summertime Youth Camp and leading the Youth Department, being active in Women’s Missionary Union, and serving in other leadership and support positions. She practiced her gift of hospitality at First Baptist, with an uncanny ability to spot and connect with newcomers both at her front door greeting post, and in fellowship situations, whether worship service or social occasions; many have attested to her being their first personal contact as they came to church. She also practiced the gift of encouragement to anyone who needed it, often and effectively. She personified the Proverbs 31 woman with grace and humility.
Mary Nell had a notable presence in the Fort Payne community, including a variety of civic groups and campaigns aimed at promoting the welfare of the community at large. For many years, she was active with Silvertones, the senior adult singing group. In 1968, she became the first woman to run for a Fort Payne City Council seat, campaigning door to door with her cheering section of some or all of her young children. She was appointed to the City School Board shortly after that campaign, becoming its Chairman for several years. She was the recipient of the Rotary Rose award from the Fort Payne Rotary Club.
Mary Nell was preceded in death by her husband of sixty eight years, Dr. John B. Isbell, III, brother Gus Norwood, and sister Jewell Suttles. She is survived by her children Blake (Bonnie) Isbell, Steve (Merle) Isbell, Nancy (Allen) Meisler; nine grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. To all these children, she was their loving “Gaga”, so dubbed in 1981 with the birth of the first grandchild.
Visitation and funeral will be held at First Baptist Church of Fort Payne on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Visitation 11:00 A.M. to 1 P.M., with service at 1 P.M., Dr. R. Pat McFadden and Dr. Marshall Henderson officiating. Due to COVID restrictions in 2020 at the time of Dr. John B. Isbell’s death, a memorial service was never held. This service will include a proper tribute and memorial to him. Honorary pallbearers will be all former and current First Baptist Sanctuary Choir members, who, along with any other singing friends, are invited to join the funeral service choir to honor Mary Nell and Dr. John with some of their favorite choral music. Rehearsal at noon the day of the service, second floor choir suite.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mitchell’s Place, 4778 Overton Road, Birmingham, AL 35210 https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_d8aeacac-cd7f-11ec-84cc-06feca334f0f&WidgetId=1969152 or First Baptist Church, 106 Grand Avenue NW, Fort Payne, AL 35967.
Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of services.
