Lizzie “Mae” (Penry) Isbell
Lizzie “Mae” (Penry) Isbell, 98, beloved matriarch, peacefully completed her earthly journey on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Harbor Hospice, Beaumont. Born on a winter day, January 23, 1927, to Maggie Mae (Tullos) Penry and Illie L Penry in the small community of Ollie, Texas.
Mae’s years at Kirby High School in Woodville, Texas, planted seeds for lifelong friendships that she nurtured through eagerly anticipated yearly reunions. Her professional life included 17 dedicated years as a trusted employee at 1st City Bank in Beaumont.
Since 1943, Mae’s spiritual home was Wesley Methodist Church (formerly North End Methodist Church), where her faith and service spanned eight decades. Growing up among 14 siblings, Mae understood the value of family connections. The annual family reunion became her most treasured event, a tradition she spoke of with fondness. Her home became the natural gathering place for countless family celebrations, filled with laughter and cherished stories.
In quieter moments, Mae found joy in the mental challenge of Jeopardy, the satisfaction of completing crossword puzzles, and creative expression through sewing and embroidery work – handcrafted treasures now cherished by those who loved her.
Mae’s legacy lives on through her brother, Eddie Ray Penry and his wife, Virginia, of Dickinson, Texas; grandsons, Jeffrey Wayne Gammon and his wife, Kristen, of Xenia, Ohio, and Justin Matthew Gammon of Beaumont, Texas; great-grandchildren who brought special light to her later years – Shiloh Evan Gammon, Chaya Elizabeth Gammon, and Tristan Matthew Gammon; and numerous nieces and nephews who were blessed by her wisdom and love.
She joins her beloved family in heaven: her father, Illie L Penry; mother, Maggie Mae Tullos; husband, George W “Dood” Isbell; daughters, Sheryl L Kling and her husband, Thomas J Kling, and Glenda “Kaye” Gammon; and her other brothers and sisters who preceded her in eternal life.
In honor of her lifelong generosity and practical spirit, the family suggests memorial contributions to support her family rather than flowers.
A celebration of life for Mae Isbell will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025, in the Parlor at Wesley Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas.
A Celebration of Life
Wesley Methodist Church
- 3810, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- April 5, 2025
- 1:00 pm
I grew up across the street from Mae, Dood, Sheryl and Kaye. She always kept a spotless home and I so admired the family. To this day I can she and my mother (Dorothy Davis) sitting in our front porch swing drinking coffee. Most all the neighbors of Ironton Street are gone now except for some of the kids I grew up with. The Isabell family were the perfect “Wonder Years” family. RIP Mae.
Mae was always smiling when we met at church.
She and my mother went to high school together
I will pray for her family. She was just so friendly you to everyone at Wesley. May she rest in peace.
Rest peacefully, indeed!
For many years at Wesley’s “early service,” Betsy and I sat in the pew directly ahead of Mae. She always arrived before us, and greeted us with a smile. Visiting with her and Kay, and exchanging God’s Peace with one another before the service, was a wonderfully rewarding way to begin the Sabbath and worship.
I can only imagine how happy she is now!
Dear Jeffery, Justin, and family. We were so very sorry to hear of Mae’s passing. Her joyful, happy spirit remains such a blessing to all of us. So many great memories of our visits in Beaumont over the years. So many happy times. We will surely keep all of you in our prayers. God bless you.
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Isbell’s family and friends. She was a good friend of my parents. I will remember how friendly she always was when I would see her at church. Rest peacefully, Mae . . .