Dorothy Lee “Dot” Bishop

March 10, 2013

Dorothy Lee “Dot” Bishop died peacefully Sunday night, March 10, 2013.

Funeral services were Friday, March 15, 2013, at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville with Trae Durden, Mickey Spillers, and Keith Barnett participating. Burial was in East Franklin Cemetery.

Dot was a teacher in the Russellville City Schools for 36 years and was selected as an outstanding elementary teacher of America in 1972. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and served in offices of the Franklin County Retired Teachers Association and the Franklin County Retired State Employees Association. At various times, she was a volunteer with Safeplace and Meals on Wheels, an election official for Franklin County, and a Board Member of Hospice of the Shoals.

Although she had an active career, Dot’s faith and her family came first. She was a devoted member of North Highlands Church of Christ for more than 55 years. She faithfully supported her husband during his two terms as mayor of the city of Russellville and during his appointment as a U.S. Marshal. Her sons and grandchildren were the joys of her heart.

Dot loved reading, gardening, and travelling with her sisters and friends. Her sweet spirit, cheerful personality, and ready smile endeared her to all she met. As a friend noted, “I don’t know anyone who is so loved.” She left lasting memories of an ability to laugh at herself, consideration for others, and resolute faith in God.

Dot was preceded in death by parents, Roy and Lola Caver; husband, Ralph Clayton Bishop, Sr., and  daughter-in-law, Betsy Bishop, of Birmingham.

Surviving are sons, Ralph Bishop, Jr., of Birmingham, and Chris Bishop and wife, Leta of Rogersville; grandchildren, Clayton Bishop and Will Bishop, of Birmingham, Olivia Bishop and Noah Bishop, of Rogersville;  sisters, Betty Hamblen and husband, Willie, and Glenda Foust and husband, Ed, both of Florence; sisters-in-law, Linda Bishop of Tuscumbia and Diane Miller and husband, Harold, of Russellville; aunts, Mary Crabb  and husband, Charles, and Virginia Goddard and husband, Smith, both of Booneville, Miss.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends who loved her dearly.

Pallbearers were Tim Turner, Floyd Fennel, Eddie Martin, Doug Clement, Mark Grissom, Joe Foster, Tommy Mashburn and Chris Wallace. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ralph Bishop Memorial Scholarship Fund at CB&S Bank in Russellville. You may leave online condolences at pinkardfh.com.