

Kay was born in Austin, TX on Oct. 8, 1944, to Keener Reagan Isbell, Jr. and Mozelle Reid-Isbell. The youngest of three children, Kay’s early childhood was filled with fond memories of family time with her parents, two older brothers, Kenneth and Robert, and summers visiting her beloved grandparents. Kay also loved spending time with her cousins and playing sports with friends.
During school-age years, she attended Robert E. Lee & Maplewood Elementary, followed by University Junior High, serving as cheerleader on the 8th grade squad. During high school, Kay attended Stephen F. Austin, where she was involved in many school clubs/activities, and was a proud member of the Lady Red Jackets Drill Team. She graduated in 1963.
Kay attended college at UT in Austin, where she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. During her freshman year there she met John W. Alvis, a fellow classmate and Law Student. After a three-year romance, Kay and John were happily married in 1966. In Jan. 1967, the couple’s son, John R. Alvis, was born. After college, the couple moved to Knoxville, TN where John Sr. worked as a Special Agent in the FBI. In Feb. of 1973, they gave birth to their second child, Rebecca. Two years later, the family moved back to Austin, TX, where John Sr. began practicing law, while Kay stayed home to raise their kids.
Kay was a dedicated wife/mother and very active in the community. She spent countless hours volunteering at schools, for the Cub Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts, and coaching girls’ kickball with the Northwest Austin Kickball League. Kay was also active in the Women’s’ Kickball League, where she played competitively and for fun. Kay was loved and respected by all her players and peers, and was instrumental in helping to build and promote the league.
In 1989 after she and John divorced, Kay took a job outside the home with TX Electric Cooperative. She worked as Office Manager for their TX VI Satellite division for 16 years until 2005, when the business was sold. In 2006, Kay went to work for the non-profit company Reading is Fundamental (RIF). She remained there until she retired in 2010.
Kay relocated to the Corsicana, TX area in 2011 to build her dream home by Lake Richland Chambers. She spent much of her retirement years there close to family and enjoying various hobbies. On warm sunny days, Kay could be found outdoors close to nature. She loved animals, especially her cats and dogs. Kay was an avid gardener with an amazing “green thumb.” She is also remembered for her many artistic talents. Above all else… Kay loved and trusted in the Lord. It was her unwavering and persevering faith in Christ that served as a strong foundation in her daily life.
In 2017, Kay downsized to a smaller home in Tyler, TX, where she lived for several years with her cat Puffy. In October of 2021, Kay moved to an assisted living facility in Athens, TX for extra care and support. Finally, in March of 2022, due to rapidly declining health, Kay was placed in skilled nursing care in Mabank, TX, where she lived out the last few months of her life. After a courageous, 13-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, our sweet mom left this earth to meet her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. She will always remain in our hearts as a cherished & loved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and faithful child of God!
Kay was proceeded in death by her parents, K.R. and Mozelle Isbell and former spouse John W. Alvis. She is survived by her son, John R. Alvis and wife Kerri of Johnson City, TX; daughter, Rebecca Glisson and husband Keith of Eustace, TX; two granddaughters, Drew Dultmeier, and Riley Kirkland and husband Adam; two grandsons, Zachary Dultmeier and Ryan Alvis; brothers, Kenneth Isbell and wife Gracie, and Robert Isbell and wife Vivian, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
We are deeply grateful for the entire staff of caregivers at Solaris Hospice, Mabank Nursing Home, Oak Wood Place Assisted Living in Athens, TX, and Trisha with Visiting Angels. Thank you for loving mom and for providing such kind, comforting, patient, and generous care during such a difficult and challenging season of life!
A memorial service in remembrance of Kay will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at the Longhorn Chapel located at the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, TX. Family and friends are invited to come and join us to honor and celebrate Kay’s life. Following the chapel service, her body will be laid to rest during a private family graveside service.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution/donation to either of the following charitable organizations that were important to Kay:
Samaritan’s Purse - https://www.samaritanspurse.org
The Parkinson’s Foundation – https://www.parkinson.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Alvis family.
PALLBEARERS
Zachary Dultmeier
Ryan Alvis
Scott Isbell
Jack Butler
Ricky Veretto
Steven Isbell
Caide Southard
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