Mrs. Mariah Alice Isbell McKenzie

Mariah Alice Montgomery Isbell McKenzie was born on October 28, 1927 in Talladega, Alabama, to the late Will Montgomery and Ella Stockdale Montgomery. Mariah confessed Christ at an early age and united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Stockdale where she was President of the Missionary Board until her passing. She also received her formal education from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Munford, Alabama, a private school in Detroit, Michigan, and Drewry Practice High School at Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama. Mariah was employed by the Talladega City School System at Dixon Middle School as a dietitian for many years before becoming a homemaker and staying home to spend quality time with her family and children. Mariah, affectionately known as "Alice", was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She was identified as the "Top Chef" in the neighborhood. Alice loved cooking, frying fish and chicken for ball games and was a big jokester. Alice's day would not start without breakfast, reading her bible, and then reading the Daily Home newspaper. She was a very kind-hearted and fun-loving person who immensely cherished her family. On the evening of Friday, October 15, 2021, after God had graciously given Alice to us for ninety-three long earthly years, and allowed her to see five beautiful generations, he felt it was time for him to peacefully close her eyes one last time to this earthly world, accept her new wings and fly to her new eternal home on high. At her new home, she was greeted by all her loved ones that had preceded her in death including her parents, Will and Ella Montgomery, grandparents, Dennis Montgomery and Febbie Stockdale Ward, children, Alan LaDwayne Isbell, Brenda Gail Isbell, and Ronald Edwin Isbell, sisters, Lucille Montgomery Barnes and Mary Montgomery Borden, brothers, James (Purt) Montgomery, John Dennis (J.D.) Montgomery, and Calvin Montgomery. Alice leaves to cherish her loving memories; her five loving children, James (JoAnn) Isbell of Lincoln, Alabama, Mary Isbell Wilson of Talladega, Alabama, Cheryl (Charles) Jurceka of Pensacola, Florida, C.K. Penny Isbell Beeman of Anniston, Alabama and Celeste Isbell of Anniston, Alabama; twelve grandchildren, Shantress, Renae, Vernon, LaDwayne, Derrick, Michael, Nikki, Jarius, Randall, Alyse, Steven and Ronald; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; nineteen great-great grandchildren; special son and daughter, Elder Ray and Stephanie Jacobs; special son, James Garrett; special niece, Lou Ida Borden; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dedicated friends.

Tributes

Mrs. Mariah Alice Isbell McKenzie

October 28, 1927 - October 15, 2021