Sue Carol Robinson Isham of Gallatin, Tennessee, departed this life for eternal glory on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Born in Temperance Hall, Tennessee, on December 6, 1938, she was the only child of Luther Robinson and Norma Robinson Bentley.
She leaves behind in this life her daughter, Debbie (Jon) Wilson of Gallatin. She is also survived by grandchildren Tonya (Brian) Taylor of Gallatin, Shawn (Tabitha) Gregory of Westmoreland, Andrea Isham of Gallatin, Jeremy (Susannah) Wilson of Blacksburg, Virginia and Annalea Wilson of Lebanon, as well as great-grandchildren Shelby (Mitch) Denning, Garrett (Brooke) Taylor, and Tessa, Taryn and Trista Gregory.
She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Charles Bentley, her loving husband of 59 years, Charles Isham Sr., and her son Charles “Tommy” Isham Jr.
Family was her touchstone. This was reflected in the nickname “Mama Sue” used affectionally by all who knew her – family, friends and even employees in their business. She was never so happy as when surrounded by them at meals, at holiday get-togethers, or while traveling. Her Christmas celebrations were legendary all-day marathons at which she presided as a benevolent monarch. When she traveled, she took as many family members with her as could go. They fondly remember many vacations in Gatlinburg and Gulf Shores, and many cruises.
As a young lady she was adventurous. She worked as a roller-skating carhop at the restaurant now known as Mary’s. She loved to water ski and drive boats (too fast.) She even learned to fly her father’s airplane and once flew under the old Highway 109 bridge in Gallatin. For a while she was a telephone operator – this was back in the switchboard days. She never eavesdropped but always knew what was going on in town!
She met Charles, the love of her life, in high school. He saw her water skiing and said, “I’m going to marry that girl”. And he did.
After marrying, they lived in Concord, California for a few years near Charles’ home port while he served in the Navy. After his discharge they moved back to Tennessee to start a family. She was a devoted mother, always involved in her children’s activities. She was both a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader. They stayed busy with their pursuits and interests; family was always a priority. She and Charles were devoted members of the Goodlettsville Church of Christ for many years. Their church family was a priority, too.
She and Charles bought H&R Block franchises in Westmoreland, then Gallatin, Portland and Hartsville, and operated them successfully for 40 years. All the family worked in the business at one time or another. From mid-December until April 15th, all their time and energy was spent at Block. She made many life-long friends of those she met through the business.
After retiring, and especially after Charles’ death in 2017, her health slowly failed. Her focus was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During her last years, Tabitha and Andrea, and Tessa, Taryn and Trista Gregory were especially close to her and helped care for her.
She will always be remembered by friends and family as sassy yet caring and willing to help others. She remained interested in her church even when she could no longer attend in person, and faith was her armor against the problems she faced in life. We rejoice that her wait is now over, her trust redeemed, and she is reunited with Charles at last.
The funeral service will be held in the chapel of Sellars Family Heritage at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The Family will be receiving friends and family on Monday, March 23, 2026 from 1:00-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at Sumner Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
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This obituary was published by Sellars Family Heritage at Gallatin.
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