Martha Ann Isely Clague

Martha Ann Isely Clague, 84, of Pine Bluff went to be with the Lord on October 26, 2024. She was born on October 4, 1940, in Morrilton, Arkansas to Charles Franklin Isely Jr., and Pauline Pless Isely. She graduated from Morrilton High school in 1958 and subsequently attended Arkansas College (Lyon College) in Batesville. She began working for the phone company as a long-distance operator before marrying and becoming a full-time mother. Once her children were older, Ann became a certified Montessori teacher and utilized those unique methods to help children learn and achieve their goals independently. After the death of her dad in 1985, Ann decided to pursue an entirely different path, becoming a registered nurse. It was in this capacity that Ann worked in home health and hospice care, caring for patients in their most vulnerable time. After a lengthy career in nursing, she finally retired to enjoy her individual interests which included reading, volunteering at her church and doting on her grandkids. It is abundantly clear that Ann was an independent woman with a servant’s heart. One of her most cherished life experiences was joining her church on a mission trip to Guatemala. She used to say it was that trip that made a profound impact on her and showed her how much work there was to do in this world. Ann also was a member of the Benevolence Committee at First Baptist Church. Through her work on this committee, she was able to help people and families that needed temporary financial assistance. At the end of the day, nothing meant more to her than her family. She passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones. Ann was a devout Christian and a long-time member of Central Presbyterian Church in Pine Bluff and later First Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Jo Rainey, niece Michelle Rainey and brother-in-law Jerry Wayne Cole. She is survived by her sisters, Paula Isely Wilkerson, and Kate Cole; children Cynthia King, Charles King (Julie), Christopher King (Alicia) and Jason King; grandchildren Ethan King (Kate), Raines King (Emma) and Hunter King; nephews, Damon Spence, Josh Cole, and Justin Cole; niece Melissa Spence. The family would like to thank the care team at Superior Senior Care, especially Vanessa Morris. A special thanks to Jessica McKinnley for her devotion to our mother over the past several years. The family also encourages donations to your local Alzheimer’s association. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2024, at Harris Funeral Home in Morrilton with funeral services immediately following at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Dalton Adger of First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Pallbearers are Ethan King, Raines King, Damon Spence, Josh Cole, Justin Cole, Alex Stewart, Tyler Stewart, and Henry Jones.

Martha Ann Isely Clague

October 4, 1940 - October 26, 2024