Isla Bernice Creighton's Obituary
Isla Bernice (Coursey) Creighton, 96, passed away peacefully early on August 6, 2024, in loving hospice care in Dallas, Texas. Isla was born in Wisconsin on June 14, 1928 (a.k.a. Flag Day as she often reminded her children) to Isla Estelle and James Russell Coursey. A high school valedictorian, she attended SMU on a scholarship, excelling at studies which included advanced math and calculus, at a time when women were not encouraged to pursue professional careers. A mother of three from her first marriage, at various times she was a model, administrative assistant, small business owner, farm wife, landlord, and finally a realtor. She played piano and instilled a love of art and music in her children, nourishing their creativity and playing duets with them on her Campbell and Kohler upright, and everything from Herb Alpert to Led Zeppelin on the stereo. In her later years, she mastered ballroom dancing and through this met her soulmate and life partner for more than 40 years, Henry Tate, who was by her side to the end, caring for her and providing stability and security when she was no longer able to. They made a full and adventurous life together, whether it was going on many cruises and even crossing Australia in a model A Ford, or just quiet evenings at home engaging in games, dinner and conversation with friends and family. Christmas season brought the delightful tradition passed from her mother of a multi-generation cookie and fruitcake bake, with the youngest generation decorating the sugar cookies. As time and people moved on, the tradition dimmed but her children’s families would still receive their yearly fruitcake that she would make herself.
Isla was blessed and a blessing, gregarious, thoughtful, sensitive to others’ troubles and needs, intelligent, preternaturally positive, laughed easily, smiled genuinely and loved unconditionally, bringing peace and joy to those who knew her. An articulate woman of stunning beauty with refined grace and manners and yet welcoming and approachable, she was a sparkling socialite moving effortlessly in any circle, and a natural leader often urged to address and lead organizations she participated in. Spiritual more than religious, Isla experienced the presence of angels in difficult times, and manifestation in her life and in service to her family. She loved wit, exuded easy class and sophistication, and adored her children, particularly enjoying their playful repartee, and doing without when they needed help. Connections were her specialty, and casual family phone calls could turn into lengthy detailed updates on her friends, colleagues, clients, and their spouses, children, parents, and grandchildren. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
Isla was preceded in death by her first husband Jerry Lynn Harvey, her second husband Kenneth Delmar Creighton, and her younger sister Peggy Jane Coursey (Dowlearn) Stoneman. Her memory will be cherished by her partner Henry Tate, her daughter Carol Johnstone, her husband, John, their sons David and Ian, daughter Kira Villa, her husband Gary, Kira and Gary's sons, Aiden and Donovan. Also Jerry Lynn Harvey Jr., his wife Barbara and her daughters Jennifer, Amy, Jesse; Jennifer’s son Ethan Estrello, and Jerry Lynn's daughter, Julia; James Leslie Harvey, his wife Helen, and his children Matthew and Natalie.
What’s your fondest memory of Isla?
What’s a lesson you learned from Isla?
Share a story where Isla's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Isla you’ll never forget.
How did Isla make you smile?