Barbara J. Isom's Obituary
On December 12, 2019 Barbara Johnson Isom passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness in Memphis, TN.Barbara was born November 18, 1933 to C. Lloyd and Ruby Johnson in Birmingham, AL. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Isom, her sisters, Sherra Kendrick, Glenda J. Smith and brother, Patrick Johnson. She is survived by her sister, Sandra J. Holmes of Ozark, AL and her sister-in-law, Tommie Isom of Memphis, TN. She is also survived by her children, Charis Wichers (Louis) of Round Rock, TX, M. Clayton Isom (Sally) of Memphis, TN, Elizabeth Neville of Memphis, TN, granddaughter, Lauren Neville Adams (Jamie) of Round Rock, TX and 4 great grandchildren: Philip, Stephen, Danielle and Gloria Adams.Barbara and Mike Isom were married for 49 adventurous years. Barbara’s passions were her garden, antiques, travels, the arts, and her cats and dogs. She was a master gardener and her greatest pride was her beautiful large garden at their longtime home in East Memphis. She hosted many “garden parties” in the 40 plus years at their home on Westminster Place. She was a docent at Brooks Museum and a longtime member of Brooks’ Decorative Arts Trust. She was an active volunteer for many years at the Women’s Exchange, Memphis Botanical Gardens, and Dixon Museum and Gardens. Barbara was also a longtime member of the Hope and Hoe Garden Club. She always shared her love for art, horticulture and all things beautiful with her family and friends.She and Mike loved to travel and enjoyed many trips to Great Britain and Europe. Barbara was a long time Sunday School teacher at Colonial Baptist Church where she and Mike were members for many years. Later in life they became members of Second Presbyterian Church. She was always an avid Bible student.Barbara loved collecting antique furniture and had an antique business for several years. She studied at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and finished at Memphis State University where she earned a Bachelors and a Master’s degree in Education. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2019 from 1-2 pm followed by a celebration of life at 2 pm at Memorial Park, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38120. Memorials can be made to Memphis Botanical Gardens, 750 Cherry Rd, Memphis, TN 38117 and/or Crossroads Hospice, 1669 Shelby Oaks Dr Suite 106, Memphis, TN 38134. To view the memorial tribute video, please click the link below:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/DYR8P9KBW44T4555
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