Bessie Ison

Bessie Ruth Brady Ison, of Jacksonville, was born on September 20, 1931, in Pulaski County to the late Claude Elmer and Anna Bell Brady. She passed away on June 23, 2007 at the age of 75. Mrs. Ison is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jack Doyle Ison of Gravel Ridge; daughter, Cynthia Gail Willis and her husband, Jerry Willis of Sherwood; daughter, Elizabeth Anne Smith and her husband Brad Smith of Gravel Ridge; granddaughter, Staci Nichole Miller and her husband Trei Miller of Runyan Acres; granddaughter, Kaci Leigh Willis of Sherwood; and grandson, Taylor Ison Smith of Gravel Ridge. She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Doyle Ison and five sisters, Lucy Shirley, Elsie Meeks, Bertha Ison, Rose Bradke, and Alice Dycus. She is survived by her sister, Wanda Funderburg and two brothers, Johnny and Allen Brady. Bessie started working at the age of 12 as a popcorn vendor in front of Holsted?s Drug Store at the corner of 2nd and Main Street in North Little Rock. She worked as a switchboard operator and elevator attendant for the Donaghey Building and also in the flare department at Westinghouse. However, she will best be remembered as a long-time employee of the Pulaski County Special School District where she worked as the secretary/bookkeeper at Sylvan Hills Elementary. She wrote her name on the hearts of many teachers and students through the years. Everybody loved ?Mrs. Ison?. Although she loved her job, her joy was spending time with her grandchildren. She rarely missed a school function or activity and was a constant source of strength, love and support. She will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. , Tuesday, June 26, 2007, at Apostolic Church, 4314 Landers Road, North Little Rock. Reverend Donnie Copeland will officiate and Allen Brady, her brother, will present the eulogy. Interment will immediately follow at Edgewood Memorial Park. Visitation will be Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.northlittlerockfuneralhome.com

Bessie Ison

September 20, 1931 - June 23, 2007