Dorothy Lee “Dot” Bishop died peacefully Sunday night, March 10, 2013. Visitation will be 1–3 p.m. Friday at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville.  Services will be at 3 p.m. with Trae Durden, Mickey Spillers, and Keith Barnett participating. Burial will be in East Franklin Cemetery. Pinkard Funeral Home is directing.

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

Pallbearers will be 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 Citizens Bank in Russellville.   You may leave online condolences at pinkardfh.com.