Jo "Pam" Pamalon Isbell

Jo "Pam" Pamalon Isbell, age 77, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Pam was born to the late Luther and Dorothy Henry on December 18, 1945, in Little Rock, AR. She departed this life on August 6, 2023. Her brothers, Ruben Harper, Jr., and Romulus Henry, and sisters, Sandra Pearson and Tonya Hughes preceded her in death.

Pam accepted Christ at an early age as a member of Eastern Star Baptist Church in North Little Rock, AR, under the leadership of Pastors Donald Lightfoot and Reverend Sherman Redwood. In later years, she continued her walk with Christ as a member of Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church (Little Rock). Pam was an active member under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. James S. Thrower and, presently, Pastor Gardiner L. Sanders.

Pam was a proud graduate of Scipio A. Jones High School in North Little Rock. She continued her education at AM&N College (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Pam was joined in holy matrimony to the late Paul Isbell. To this union, three children were born.

Pam was a cherished pillar of the LRSD community and dedicated her life to nurturing young minds at Garland, Romine, and Chicot Elementary Schools. For over a quarter of a century, she left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of countless students. Pam was recognized as a Delta Teacher Academy Fellow at the University of Mississippi, contributed to the University of AR Little Rock's Writing Project for K-12 educators, and attained English as a Second Language (ESL) certification.

Teaching was never a job for Pam, it was her ministry. If her schoolchildren needed supplies, she bought them. If they needed encouragement, she gave it. Her students knew Mrs. Isbell was there for them, not a paycheck. Pam’s classroom was a beacon of hope for young people and an example of educational excellence.

Pam’s teaching style and curriculum were revolutionary, innovative, and effective. It’s no surprise she was asked to join an education task force during the height of her career. In this role, her classroom model became the blueprint for other teachers. Even after retirement, Pam continued shaping the minds of future generations as a tutor at Southwest Community Center in Little Rock. Her legacy as an educator will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Pam was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. She leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Paul Isbell and Patrick (LaToya) Isbell; daughter, Paula Isbell; her furbaby, Ace Isbell; her grandchildren, Alexander, Joshua, and Maleke; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Faheem Munir of Sherwood, AR; six sisters, Brenda Harper-Charles of North Little, AR, Sharon Harper of Dallas, TX, Rena Harper of North Little Rock, AR, Robyn Ollison of Dallas, TX, Lisa (Malik) Cork of England, AR, and Lori Ben of Glendale, Arizona; brother-in-law, Alvertis Isbell PKA "Al Bell" (Lydia) of Sherwood AR; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pinecrestfh.com for the Isbell family.