Home » Past Obituaries » Dorothy Gibson Bishop

Dorothy Gibson Bishop

Dorothy Gibson Bishop, 75, of Lebanon, TN (previously of Newport News, VA), passed away in her daughter’s arms on July 19, 2022.  She is healed and as a believer in Jesus Christ, is spending eternity in her heavenly home and for that, her family rejoices.

Dorothy was born on September 22, 1946 to Edward (Ga) and Dorothy (Mema) Gibson in Norfolk, VA.  Shortly after graduating from Norview High School in the class of ‘63, she met Ralph Bishop at a dance at the Navy YMCA in Norfolk where he was stationed. They were married in 1965.

When she and Ralph had their only child, Tanya, she dedicated her life to what she saw as her most important job, being a devoted mother.  Dorothy was also a valuable employee to many organizations over the years, but she spoke most fondly of her time as an interpreter for deaf children in the public school classroom. Later, she faithfully cared for her parents until their deaths in 2010 and 2018 respectively.  Dorothy truly had a servant’s heart, helping others until the time the devil-in-disease-form, commonly known as Alzheimer’s, made that no longer possible.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph; her daughter Tanya and son-in-law Kyle Schrage, her grandchildren Braden, Dawson and Kalyn Welch all of Lebanon, TN; her step-granddaughters Ellie, Emma and Cara Schrage of Murfreesboro, TN; her nephew Ervin Marchant and significant other, Denise, of Chesapeake, VA; her niece Jennifer Stevens and husband, Greg, of Orlando, FL; her nephew Edward Marchant and wife, Cyndi, of Currituck, NC; and a host of great nieces/nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Dorothy Gibson; and her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Gene Marchant of Chesapeake, VA.

There will be a celebration of life at Stevens Memorial Baptist Church, 224 Richneck Rd. Newport News, VA on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 11:00am with Pastor Jay Russ officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF.org) in honor of her grandson, Dawson.

LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME of Lebanon, TN  (615) 444-2142   www.ligonbobo.com

Messages for the Family

  1. Karen Stuart says:
    I had the honor of knowing this wonderful lady for 31 years. She was always so kind and loving….never had a negative word. Her love for her family was larger than life. I know she is in heaven with the ones who preceded her and that she is also walking beside those still here. You will be missed dearly, Sweet Lady.
  2. Beverly and John Sunderland says:
    I have know Dot since high school..We were majorettes together. She took me to the Navy Y and I too met my husband there. Dot was such a sweet and easy to talk with person. Tanya..thank you for calling me yesterday…it means alot to me.May God bless you and your family in the days ahead.Your Mom is well and rejoicing with her family in heaven.She and your Dad are proud of you and yoir family..Beverly and John
  3. Ryan & Christina Ryckman says:
    Mrs Bishop was such a dear person, who loved here family immensely! She was a kind and gentle soul who is celebrating with her loved ones who have already gone home to heaven and she is looking forward to reuniting with the family she left behind who will some day join her in paradise. She will be missed, but as followers of Christ we take comfort in the knowledge that our separation is only temporary. Our Prayers are with her family.
  4. Katrina Harris says:
    I had the pleasure and honor of working with Dorothy at the NNPS administration of Special Ed. For over 10 years. She was trial wonderful, caring, thoughtful friend of mine. Her presence will be missed. Rest In Peace my friend.
  5. Teresa Etwaroo says:
    I knew Dorothy, when she was working with the Newport News Public School system. I worked in the same department with Dorothy, prior to her retirement. She was definitely a source of joy and kindness. I admired her in so many ways! It is great comfort knowing we can see one another again, in Heaven! My deepest sympathies to her family and dear friends!