Joyce Irene Bishop

Joyce brought joy to all of us during her more than 90 years. Sadly, Joyce passed away on February 10, 2024, after living a full and rewarding life. During her last weeks she exhibited strength, dignity, grace, and humor.

Mom, Grandmama, Grandma, Gigi was the rock and foundation of our family standing beside her husband of 65 years, Col. Joe D. Bishop, raising a family and living the life of a military wife. And, like all military wives, she was there for us even when Dad was away serving his country. Mom and Dad loved each other deeply and enjoyed a life of travel and exploration living in many places and visiting even more.

As a mother, Mom showed us how to live life to the fullest while instilling in us strength of character, an understanding of the benefits of hard work, and the joy of family. She worked tirelessly to ensure that we were taken care of, loved unconditionally, and inspired. One could not ask for a better mother or more inspiring example of how to raise our children.

As grandparents Mom and Dad were unparalleled in their devotion to their 5 grandkids. They always had activities planned for every visit by their beloved grandchildren. The activities included visits to the San Antonio Zoo where Dad was a docent, camping trips, tennis, swimming, and of course long, long walks with Grandmama, and cruises that included parasailing. The fun and joy of these activities was equally shared by both Mom and Dad and the grandkids, further strengthening the bond that has lasted a lifetime and will endure for decades to come.

In Mom and Dad’s later years they were blessed with 10 great grandchildren that they cherished. As Mom said many times, “ I can’t keep up with them like I could the grandkids, however I love watching them, reading books with them, and simply being with them.” You could see the joy each great grandchild brought her by the smile and glow on her face when they entered the room. As was the case with the grandkids, the great grandchildren felt that love and returned it every time they were together.

Our entire family was blessed to have Joyce in our lives and she and Dad live on in each of us and will do so in the generations of our family that follow. We miss them both deeply, however their legacy of love, happiness, humor, and joy will help fill the void we now feel.