Katie Ella Bishop

Graveside services for Katie Ella Lee Bishop will be Saturday, October 19, 2013, at Sunset Memorial Cemetery at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be Friday, October 18, 2013, at Croley Funeral Home, 6:00-8:00 PM. Katie was born July 3, 1924 and died October 15, 2013 after a sudden illness. She was born in Kelsey, just outside of Gilmer, 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. Katie was the oldest child 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 her husband 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 Bishop and Karen D. Bishop. Other grandchildren, with their spouses and great grandchildren to Katie, include: Jennifer Bishop Mask and husband Jody Mask with Noah, Damian, and Taylor; Brian and Katherine Bishop with Ava, Lola, and Otto; Brent and Sheri Bishop with Beck and Kinsey; and Jeffrey and 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.