Barbara Sue Isbell passed away peacefully on June 16, 2019 at her home, surrounded by her family. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, John B. and Ida Mae Miller, and a son, Weldon Earl Isbell. Barbara is survived by her husband of 64 years, Billy W. Isbell and a son James A. Isbell of the home, a daughter, Patricia G. Isbell of Dale City, Virginia, and a granddaughter Amanda K. Ward-Isbell of Old Hickory, Tennessee, a brother Thomas T. Miller for Orange, Texas, a niece Charlotte Williams of Orange, Texas, and a niece, Gwendolyn Mathis of Tyler, Texas.
Barbara Sue Miller was born in a tent in the Kilgore, Texas oil fields on December 22, 1936. Her father was a carpenter who took his family around Texas in a homemade trailer during her childhood. Barbara married Billy Isbell on December 31, 1954 then graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in Orange, Texas the following May. Barbara and Billy moved around the country the following twenty years during Bill’s military career. Barbara and Bill moved to Woodbridge, Virginia in 1971 and settled in following his retirement from the U.S. Army.
Barbara Sue became a school bus driver in 1973 and joined the union. She was president of AFSCME local 3123 for more than fifteen years. Barbara joined the Prince William Democratic Committee and served as a member of the AFL-CIO State Central Committee and the Virginia Democratic Party Central Committee.
Barbara Sue was a delegate to the 1992 Democratic convention and an alternate in 1996. Barbara’s labor and Democratic party affiliations aided her long time effort in lobbying for worker’s rights and classified employee compensation within the Prince William County Public School System. Barbara retired on disability in 1998 but continued as a partner with her husband in residential real estate investments for another 17 years.
Recent Stories
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
Looking for a new best friend? Meet Echo, a 3-4-month-old pup full of love, energy, and curiosity. This little guy, possibly a Boxer mix, is still finding his voice, but…
Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
