Martha "Ellen" Bishop

Martha “Ellen” Bishop, 90 of Midway, WV went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 19, 2021, in Daniels, WV. She was born June 14, 1931, in Stephenson, WV to the late Everett Lester and Laura Mills Lester.

She was a member of the Old Grove Chapel in Crab Orchard, she loved attending church and hearing the word of the Lord until her health declined, preventing her from doing so.

As a young woman with several small children, she knew early in life she wanted to pursue owning her own business. Her husband Paul worked in the Coal Mines to provide for a large family. So in the late 50s, she opened Bishop’s Grocery in Stephenson, Wyoming County at Barkers Ridge, and was very successful.

She and Paul then moved to Midway in the early 60s; where she went on to open Midway Furniture & Pawn and Sophia Cab Company. Ellen also purchased several rental properties. She and Paul worked hand in hand with their children, teaching them how to work, how to build, and how to start with little and turn it into a lot. But most importantly, she taught her family to trust in God, and enjoy the small things in life.

She always helped the less fortunate, she never met a stranger and had a glowing personality. Ellen faced many hardships and struggles throughout life but she stood strong through them all.

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul Bishop; two sons, Eddie and Darrell Bishop; grandsons, Jeremy Bishop and Michael Meadows Jr.; siblings, Ola McKinney, Garth Lester Calvin Lester, and Eugene Hardy.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Arnold (Pam) Bishop, Jack (Kathy) Bishop, Betty (Garry) Kelly, Barbara (Mike) Meadows, Mary (Toney) Greco; 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at Blue Ridge Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at 2:00 pm with Pastor Ronnie Miller officiating. Friends may gather with the family from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm.

Jason Payne, Shane Greco, Derick Bishop, Shane Barker, Shad Alexander, and Denny Lester will serve as pallbearers and Justin Meadows as Honorary Pallbearer.

The Bishop Family would like to thank each and every staff member at Raleigh Center for the help and compassion they have received. Also, many thanks to the young members of the family who would be there at a moment's notice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com.