On August 3, 1952, a bundle of joy entered the world. A gift to Jimmie Isom, Sr., and Leona Hester. They named their newborn son Donald Ray. The youngest of seven children, Donald Ray Isom attended Charles S. Johnson Elementary, Marion Anderson Junior High, culminating with his graduation from Booker T. Washington High School with the class of 1970. He was a well dressed student, and demonstrated a high level of initiative and became the first male to enter Booker T. Washington's Cosmetology Class as a barber. After graduation, Donald Ray explored new opportunities, attending Tulsa Junior College later. He and his brother Jackie sang together in a soul group appearing in several clubs, including appearing with Charlie Wilson, former GAP Band member.

He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age, being baptized at Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He continued to grow in ministry, and was ordained at Metropolitan Baptist Church, later joining Grace Apostlic Temple His favorite scripture reads: Deuteronomy 6:4 "Hear Oh Israel, The Lord Our God is One." He was very knowledgeable about the mother-land, Kenya in which he named his baby daughter. Donald Ray met Mae Lillian Brown, producing one child. Later, he met and married Sharon Jenkins in 1972 in Newport News, Virginia. The union produced 3 darling children. The couple would later separate remaining best of friends. He loved and respected both the "Lillie of the Valley, and "The Rose of Sharon."

He decided to serve his country, joining the United States Navy serving for 2 years receiving a medical discharge under Honorable Status. As a disabled veteran, he overcame his disability by furthering his education, becoming a licensed barber. He used his business skills to open his own barber shop: "Isom's Family Hair Affair." He was the best barber this side of Oklahoma with customers coming from Kansas and Missouri. He shared his good fortunes adding chairs for his brother Johnnie, and for his sister Brenda as a beautician. Through his ambitions, his career placed a great influence on his daughter Shanta who now owns her own barber shop, Masters of Hair. His health would eventually fail him due to his military experiences, but his faith in the Lord kept him strong. Donald Ray believed in helping all not one. He helped his family with love, as well as financial, purchasing his own groceries in large portions. He was especially generous to his children, his mother, and especially his mother-in-law, Esther Jenkins.

On April 9, 2009, 3 days before Easter, our Heavenly Father called Donald Ray Isom home. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother and sister, Jackie Isom, and Brenda Isom Carter. Remaining to cherish his precious memories, his children: Shanta Isom, Tulsa, OK., Donald Ray Isom, Jr. (Tasha), Dallas, TX., Jahmah Isom, Tulsa, OK., and Kenyah Hill (Isam), Broken Arrow, OK., siblings: Jimmie Isom (Patricia) Johnnie Isom, Tulsa, OK., Glenn Isom, Marcia Isom-Hankins (Steve), Mesquite, TX., aunts: Carolyn Saulsby, Los Angeles, CA., and Catherine Watkins, Tulsa, OK., 12 grandchildren, 1 unborn grandchild, 1 great-grandchild, and a caravan of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Services will be Thursday April 16, 2009 at 11AM at Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Tulsa. Friends may visit Mr. Isom as he slumbers in the All Faiths Chapel on Wednesday from 12Noon to 7PM.