Nanny's Funeral

10.19.13

Katie Ella Lee Bishop was born on July 3, 1924 and died October 15, 2013 after a sudden illness.  She was born in Kelsey, Texas and was married to the late Alton W. Bishop.  They owned and operated Whites Auto for many years, which was located on the square in Gilmer, Texas.

Katie was the oldest of three children born to Oni and Hector Lee, who preceded her in death.  Her sisters include Virginia Lee Arnold, married to Larry Arnold and Glo Gordon, married to the late Gerald Gordon.  She also had a half-sister, Faye Lee Dunkley, who was married to Romas Dunkley, both of whom are deceased.

The greatest joy in Katie's life was her family.  She and Alton were blessed with three children: Dr. Wesley A. Bishop DDS, of Gilmer, whose wife is Kathleen; Deanna Bishop; and Gilmer attorney, David A. Bishop, whose wife is Karen D. Bishop.  Of her three children, Deanna and David preceded Mrs. Bishop in death.

Katie was also blessed with six grandchildren, four of whom are married with spouses she considered to be like her own grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, whom she loved and adored, as well.  Her grandchildren include Laura Lee Bishop and Rachel Anne Bishop, daughters of the late David A. Bishop and Karen D. Bishop.  Other grandchildren, with their spouses and great-grandchildren include: Jennifer Bishop Mask and husband Jody R. Mask with Noah, Damian and Taylor; Dr. Brian W. Bishop DDS and Katherine Bishop with Ava, Lola and Otto; Brent L. and Sheri Bishop with Beck and Kinsey; and Jeffrey S. and Dr. Jill Bishop with Marcus.  Also, Mrs. Bishop had numerous nieces and nephews who fondly remember "Aunt Katie".

Katie was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She and her husband volunteered as workers in the LDS Dallas Temple for many years prior to her husband's death.  Katie worked diligently for over thirty years researching and compiling her family genealogy with some family lines going back as far as 1092 in England.

Katie also served in the Primary Organization of her church teaching the very young children at the ward and stake levels.  For many years, she owned and operated a private kindergarten in Gilmer, as well, and was affectionately known as "Miss Katie" to the many boys and girls she taught.  She had a great love for all children.

Above all, Katie's abiding faith was a firm foundation for her family.  She was the rock that kept the family grounded and "Nanny" will be deeply missed.
(written by Kathleen Bishop)

Nanny's graveside service was really touching especially when her great-grandchildren stood in front of her and sang a song that Nanny taught to many primary kids at church which is called, I Am A Child Of God.  (I have the video if you would like to see it.)  And, two vintage planes flew over on the busiest day (because of the Yamboree) of the year in Gilmer, Texas. 

There was an abundant amount of food dropped off by many friends of the family. 

Nanny's sister, Virginia, pictured with her husband Larry and their daughter Kaylynn and their son Doug with his wife Crissy, their son, Cole, and their daughter-in-law, Sierra.  (Doug and Crissy's son, Devin, and daughter, Katelin, could not be here today.)

Rachel, Karen and Laura Bishop

It was so sweet of Uncle Bill, Aunt Stevie and Richarda (Stevie's sister) to drive here from Denton so that they could be here with us today.

Earlier today, Uncle B (aka The Tickle Monster) had some fun with two little boys by the name of Beck and Marcus.

Later in the evening, he also got Kinsey.

Otto was pretty happy to hang out with his cousins today.

This is what our vehicle looks like after buying Yamboree toys for Beck, Kinsey and Noah...major light show!  And, I sure enjoyed hearing these kids giggling!