Willie Lou H. Bishop

Published 9:53 am Thursday, April 24, 2025

ROXOBEL – Willie Lou Holloman Bishop, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on April 22, 2025, in Suffolk, Virginia, at the age of 89. Willie Lou was born on May 6, 1935, in Harrellsville, North Carolina, to parents Lionel Tennyson and Willie Mae Newsome Holloman. Willie Lou lived a life marked by dedication to her family, community, and faith.

Willie Lou graduated from Harrellsville High School as the class Valedictorian in 1953. She furthered her education at Chowan College, where she earned a secretarial degree, setting the stage for a successful career. Her professional journey included roles as an office manager at C.W.S. Electric and a Postmaster replacement at the Roxobel Post Office. Willie Lou’s attention to detail was evident in every aspect of her work.

In 1954, Willie Lou married the love of her life, George Ruben “Buck” Bishop. Together, they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in January 2022. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Debra Johnson and Wendy Bishop, who were the pride and joy of her life.

Willie Lou was a devoted member of Sandy Run Baptist Church, where she served in numerous capacities, including church treasurer, WMU Director, Sunday School teacher, and VBS teacher. She also had a passion for music, often playing the piano and singing, sharing her talents with those around her, and also held the position of church choir director and church pianist. Her commitment to her faith and her community was unwavering, and she touched many lives through her service.

A woman of varied interests, Willie Lou cherished conversations with friends and family in person, on the phone and on social media. She was an avid fan of DUKE Basketball and was excited to attend a few games this year (Go Blue Devils!). Willie Lou was quite active up to her passing, always ready for road trips with her daughters.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Lionel Holloman; her beloved husband, George Ruben “Buck” Bishop; her brother, L.T. Holloman, Jr.; her sister-in-law, Hilda Evans; and her niece Vicky Stanfield.

Willie Lou is survived by her daughters, Debra Johnson and husband Don of Franklin, Virginia, and Wendy Bishop of Raleigh, North Carolina. She leaves behind her cherished grandsons, Matthew Johnson and wife Rebecca of Franklin, Virginia, and Aaron Johnson and wife Victoria of Virginia Beach, Virginia, as well as her precious great-granddaughter, Caroline Johnson of Franklin, Virginia and her niece Joyce Rilee of Mechanicsville, Virginia.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Sunday, April 27, from 2-4 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square Chapel, Rich Square, North Carolina. A graveside funeral service will be held on Monday, April 28, at 2 p.m. at Roxobel-Kelford Cemetery, Roxobel, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Willie Lou’s memory to Sandy Run Baptist Church, P.O. Box 157, Roxobel, NC, or to the Roxobel Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 54, Roxobel, NC.

Willie Lou’s legacy of love, service, and devotion will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The Bishop family has entrusted Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square Chapel with the funeral arrangements. The family invites friends and loved ones to leave their condolences at www.garrettsykesfs.com.