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Rebecca Isbell Obituary
October 20, 2024
JONESBOROUGH - Dr. Rebecca Isbell, 82, passed away peacefully at her home in Jonesborough, on October 20, 2024. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and teacher, Rebecca will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Rebecca was a passionate educator and advocate for early childhood education, dedicating her life to the learning and well-being of young children in the Appalachian Highlands and beyond. She served as the Director of the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development and was a professor of Early Childhood Education at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) for over 30 years. Rebecca was recognized as one of ETSU's distinguished faculty for her teaching excellence, impacting generations of students in undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs. She was also instrumental in establishing ETSU's PhD program in Early Childhood Education.
Rebecca was an accomplished author, having written 14 professional books and numerous articles for early childhood educators. She also penned a children's book inspired by her beloved Jonesborough, Everyone Has a Story to Tell. Her expertise and energy made her a sought-after keynote speaker and presenter at early childhood conferences and trainings worldwide.
Above all, Rebecca was devoted to her family. She was married to Benjamin Parrish for over 30 years, and together they shared a life full of travel, laughter, and love. Ben fondly recalls, "Whenever Rebecca went missing, I would just follow the sound of her laughter to find her." Rebecca was a nurturing and supportive mother to Christy Isbell Weems (Bryan) and William "Marty" Isbell (Kiki). She was a proud grandmother to Caroline, Elizabeth, Wells, Fisher, Simon, and Hampton. She instilled in her family a love for education, life-long learning, and an appreciation for nature, reading, and travel.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Jonesborough United Methodist Church. Storytelling and light refreshments will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rebecca Isbell Early Childhood Memorial Fund at ETSU Clemmer College of Education. Donations can be made at etsu.edu/give selecting other and then specifying the name of the Fund. Contributions may also be directed to the Children's Books collection at the Jonesborough Public Library.
Rebecca will be remembered for her contagious laughter, her positive spirit, and her unwavering dedication to her family and the field of early childhood education.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com.
Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Isbell family (423-610-7171).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rebecca Isbell
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4 Entries
Kathie Arney-Matherly
October 27, 2024
Dr. Isbell was just the best teacher. She was real! She taught you what was real and what worked with young children. She was involved,so she knew children and what worked when teaching them. She taught useable things, like bathrooming for Kindergarten! Makes us smile, but very needed, not just book skills.
I proudly served with her on the Early Childhood Advisory Board at ETSU. She was the best!
Beth Carr
October 26, 2024
Mrs Isbell taught my son at Cherokee elementary many years ago. He was an active kid with poor attention span. Dr Isbell took the time to make sure he was successful and I know she a huge difference in many children's lives and will always be remembered! I'm so grateful to her and family.
Marshia Adams
October 26, 2024
I worked as a Graduate Assistant in the Child Study Center while Dr. Isbell was there. She was the finest mentor and example for anyone serious about Early Childhood. She taught us the way she wanted us to teach.
Lucy Skelton
October 25, 2024
Have some special memories of Becky over the years and for her outstanding children. Lucy Skelton
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