Ann Hope Bishop

AIKEN, SC - ANN HOPE BISHOP, 76, died peacefully at her home in Aiken, SC May 5, 2015. Her family celebrates her courageous journey with ovarian cancer. Ann lived a full and purposeful life. She was born in North Augusta, SC to John A. and Sally W. Hope in 1939. She graduated from North Augusta High School, and later Winthrop College. In 1963, she married James (Jimmy) B. Bishop (d. 2009), and lived several years in Atlanta, Georgia. She and her husband soon moved to Aiken, SC which would become her lifelong home and raised two children, Byron and Terry. Ann held several jobs, eventually finding work with Trinity United Methodist Church in Aiken, SC. She was the church’s secretary for 35 years, supporting 7 pastors, and untold numbers of church members. She was fully committed to the church. She sang in the choir, nurtured children in nursery and preschool, and participated in and held leadership roles in many church groups, including Executive board member of the United Methodist Women. She retired in 2008. She was also a very active volunteer in the community giving her time to groups such as the Trinity Home Health and Hospice, and the Philanthropic Educational Organization. She also spent time supporting individuals, offering counseling in living with cancer and navigating grief. She was a devoted grandmother who constantly cheered for her grandchildren during their sports and dance performances, and she patiently sat by their side as together they worked with arts and crafts. She is remembered as a woman of silent determination, unlimited compassion, and unyielding faith. She is survived by her son, Byron Bishop and spouse Laurie of Holly Springs, NC; daughter Terry Beal and spouse Fred of York, Montana; grandchildren Bronwyn Bishop, Brandon Shaw, and Arden Bishop; brother Fred Hope of Leavenworth, Kansas; niece Sharon Smith, husband Harold and family of Westmoreland, Kansas. She is predeceased by her husband James (Jimmy) B. Bishop and nephew Michael Hope. Visitation will be at Shellhouse - Rivers Funeral Home, Friday from 6 until 8 PM. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 AM Trinity United Methodist Church, 2724 Whiskey Road, Aiken, SC. Interment will immediately follow at Aiken Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Bishop has directed that donations go to the Trinity United Methodist Church Kitchen Renovation Project or to the American Cancer Society. SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ann Hope Bishop, please visit our flower store.