Pernie Isbell

COURTESY OBITUARY

Surrounded by her loving family, Pernie Rachel Thomas Isbell passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026, in Lincolnton, Georgia. She was 93 years old, a daughter of the late Lowery Macbeth Thomas and Lizzie Lee Payne Thomas, a faithful follower of our Savior Jesus Christ, and a member of Lincolnton Baptist Church, Lincolnton, Georgia since October 2020. Over the previous half century Pernie had Church Families, and was an active member of Abilene Baptist Church, Evans, Georgia, Pine Lake Baptist Church, Pine Lake, Georgia and Woodlawn Baptist, Belvedere, Georgia.

She came from a strict God-fearing Christian family who farmed for a living in Eastanollee, Georgia. Pernie excelled in all types of athletics throughout elementary and high school. She enjoyed mathematics and was active in the drama club. A strong work ethic was forged by long hours in both the classroom and crop fields. In 1953 she married JL Isbell and they moved to Atlanta, finally settling in Dekalb County, Georgia. Pernie and JL had three daughters, Kathy, Connie, and Cindy who they raised in a Christian household. Pernie worked hard raising her three daughters while simultaneously holding various full-time jobs to help her husband put food on the table, and to make a better life for their children. Pernie’s faith and her love of sports were passed on to her children. Her youngest, Cindy, competed in Special Olympics for decades, winning numerous medals in a wide variety of sports. Pernie believed strongly in the unconditional love, regardless-win or lose, that Special Olympics promotes for its athletes. She was truly a nurturing woman who knew, and taught her children, that love and attention to detail makes things grow and flourish. 

She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, JL, and all 14 of her maternal siblings, and son-in-law Stanley. She is survived by her three daughters, son-in-law, four grandchildren who she dearly loved, nine wonderful great-grandchildren, and many precious nieces and nephews. Also, one of her best lifelong friends happens to be her sister-in-law, Mozelle Isbell. Pernie cherished opportunities to connect with Mozelle on the phone and would light up when she heard her voice. 

The celebration of life will be held in the Hillcrest Chapel of Acree-Davis Funeral Home, 90 South Pond Street, Toccoa, Georgia 30577 on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Tripp Goodwin of Lincoln Baptist Church, Lincolnton, Georgia officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 12 noon until 2 p.m.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.acree-davisfh.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Special Olympics, Augusta Stars. Checks can be written to "The Augusta Stars" and mailed to 308 Taylor Cir, Grovetown, Georgia 30813.

Interment will follow in the Stephens Memorial Gardens with the Acree-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in charge of the arrangements for Pernie Rachel Thomas Isbell.