Donna Kay (Parr) Isbell

 Donna Kay Isbell, of Paducah, passed away on April 19, 2026, at the age of 79. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth and storytelling touched all who knew her.

Kay was born on September 11, 1946, to Grady and Anna Mae (Terry) Parr and was raised on her family farm along the North Pease River. She graduated from Paducah High School in 1965 and soon after married the love of her life, Tommy Isbell.

Together, Kay and Tommy built a life centered on family, raising their four children—Brent, Jay, Holly, and Dolly—near the Cee Vee community and later along the North Pease River. She found great joy in supporting her children in sports and school activities, always present and cheering them on.

Kay had a gift for bringing people together. She loved cooking for her family, reading, and spending hours on the phone with lifelong friends. Known for her outgoing nature, she never met a stranger and always had a story to share.

She dedicated many years of service to Paducah ISD and Childress ISD before retiring. In her retirement, she cherished time spent attending her grandchildren’s events and celebrating their accomplishments. After retirement, Donna was a caregiver for the elderly for many years. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Tommy Isbell; her parents, Grady and Anna Mae Parr; her brothers, Clee and Bruce Parr; and her sister, Beth Mosley.

Kay is survived by her children: Brent (Amber) Isbell of Devine, Jay (Kerri) Isbell of Lubbock, Holly Isbell of Childress, and Dolly Isbell of Paducah. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Megan Isbell of New Braunfels, Makayela Hills of Aberdeen, Maryland, Makenna Isbell of Devine, Barrett Isbell of Lewiston, Idaho, Madelynn Isbell of Lubbock, K’Lynn Petty of San Angelo, and Bella Petty of Childress; great-grandchildren Arturo Terrazas and Eleanor Hills, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Kay’s legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to family will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Childress Methodist Church. Pastor Lou Ellerbrook will be officiating her service under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers: Barrett Isbell, Brett Parr, Mark Parr, Greg Parr, Thomas Blount, and Gralee Parr. Interment will follow at the Isbell Family Cemetery on the South Pease River, and she will be buried alongside her husband. The cemetery is located about 12 miles north of Paducah. Everyone is invited to attend, but please wear comfortable shoes and know the road to the cemetery is rustic.