Mrs. Shirley Fay Parks Isdell, 85, of Tasley, entered peacefully into rest at her home on Wednesday, Jan. 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, 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. 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 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); her grandchildren, Ariel Killmon, Robert Isdell III, Amon Killmon, Christopher Isdell Jr., Erica Vaughn, Andrea Rice, Emily Isdell, and Peyton Isdell; her great-grandchildren, Liam Chew, Gage Vaughn, Luna Chew, Lochlann Isdell, and Andrew Isdell; her sister, Amelia “Sissy” Custis, of Portsmouth; her brother, William Parks (Brenda), of Onancock; and many extended family members and friends.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Earl Isdell Sr.; her sister, Jane Bennett; and her brother, Colburn Parks.
Funeral services were conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m., with Pastor Ken Coleman officiating. Interment followed at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Family greeted 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 at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
