Obituary published on Legacy.com by Williams-Onancock Funeral Home on Jan. 8, 2026.
Shirley Fay Parks Isdell, 85, of
Tasley, VA, entered peacefully into rest at her home on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She now rests in the blessed hope of Christ's return.
Born March 28, 1940, in
Harborton, VA, Shirley was the daughter of Brower Colburn Parks and Flora Ellen Parks. From an early age, her life reflected a servant's heart, guided by her faith and a deep calling to care for others.
Shirley devoted her life to her family, creating a home filled with love, patience, and prayer for her husband and their four children. Her compassion extended beyond her home as she became a certified nursing assistant, dedicating many years of service at Shore Memorial Hospital in
Nassawadox, VA. There, she found great purpose ministering to mothers and newborns in the maternity ward, offering comfort, kindness, and gentle encouragement during some of life's most sacred moments.
She was blessed to share 55 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Robert Earl Isdell, Sr., until his passing in 2010. Together, they built a family grounded in faith, love, and hard work. A devoted member of Cornerstone Seventh-day Adventist Church in
Exmore, VA for more than 65 years, Shirley faithfully served the Lord in many capacities and had a special passion for the church's soup kitchen and found joy by supporting and serving in any way she could.
Shirley will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and selfless devotion to God, her family, and all those she served. Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the promise of eternal life and the comfort of knowing she is at peace in the care of her Savior.
Shirley is survived by her children, Robert Earl Isdell, Jr. (Brenda), Barbara King (Bill), Marsha Holland (Bryon), and Christopher Isdell, Sr. (Shannon); grandchildren, Ariel Killmon, Robert Isdell III, Amon Killmon, Christopher Isdell, Jr., Erica Vaughn, Andrea Rice, Emily Isdell, and Peyton Isdell; great-grandchildren, Liam Chew, Gage Vaughn, Luna Chew, Lochlann Isdell, and Andrew Isdell; sister, Amelia "Sissy" Custis of Portsmouth, VA; brother, William Parks (Brenda) of
Onancock, VA; and many extended family members and friends.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Earl Isdell, Sr.; sister, Jane Bennett; and brother, Colburn Parks.
Funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Ken Coleman officiating. Interment will follow at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Family will greet family and friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Contributions in Shirley's memory may be made to Cornerstone Seventh-Day Adventist Church, P.O. Box 643,
Exmore, VA 23350 (https:// adventistgiving.org/donate/ANB8B6).
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
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