Longtime Starkville advocate, civil rights leader Isaac dies
A fixture in local politics and outspoken civil rights advocate has died.
Dorothy Jean Isaac, who served as past president of the Oktibbeha County NAACP, died on Thursday at the age of 60.
Despite having one leg amputated due to diabetes, Isaac was a regular attendee to meetings of the Starkville Board of Aldermen, as well as an active member of Second Baptist Church in Starkville.
“Dorothy was a wonderful person who demonstrated a commitment to service as exemplified by her involvement as past President of Oktibbeha County NAACP,” said community leader and former president of the NAACP Chris Taylor. “She will be truly missed by the community.”
Apart from her church, Isaac remained involved in her work with the NAACP and current President Yulanda Haddix praised the groundwork laid by Isaac.
“Not only are we losing a former president of our Oktibbeha County Branch of NAACP, we are also losing a voice for our silent and disenfranchised community,” Haddix said. “She stood strong for what was right and fought hard for what was unjust in all communities.”
Haddix went on to say Isaac never stopped fighting for community concerns and always greeted everyone with a smile and words of encouragement.
“From growing up on the west side of Starkville, Dorothy has always put her community and its citizens needs first and because of those great characteristics she will be forever missed,” she said.
While Isaac and current Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill did not always agree on issues, Spruill said it was never personal.
Isaac received notoriety for her vocal opposition to several recent issues, including amendments to the city's alcohol ordinance and Starkville's first gay pride parade.
“She spent a lot of time on the Park Commission, and we had other communications that were pleasant and some that were not so pleasant on issues, but she was always very kind and friendly,” Spruill said. “You never had hard feelings, you just had a difference of opinions. And while I may not have agreed with her, she was always sweet.”
One political figure closely aligned with Isaac was Vice Mayor Roy A'. Perkins, who represented Isaac in the city's Ward 6.
As the city's longest-serving alderman, Perkins was close with Isaac for decades, even before his time in office.
“She came to meetings in a wheelchair .. what a commitment, what a life,” Perkins said. “I have visited Miss Isaac in her home, we talked. Her support for me and the community was unwavering.”
Perkins went on to say Isaac's death will leave a void in his life and for the residents of the city.
“If she had been able to, she would have had something to say about this annexation,” Perkins said with a laugh, recalling how involved Isaac was on city issues. “She gave the best of service.”
Funeral services will be held Thursday at Second Baptist Church at 11 a.m. West Memorial Funeral Home will handle the arrangements.