Doris Iona Bishop

August 10, 1927 – April 14, 2026

Having trusted in Jesus Christ as her personal savior, Doris Bishop, age 98, went home to be with the Lord on April 14, 2026. She finally got her wish to “go home” to heaven.

Doris was born to hard-working farming parents, Raymond and Dana Lembrick, in Ridgeway, Mich. After graduating from high school, Doris worked as a beautician for a few years, then as a secretary at Admiral Corp. in Tecumseh, Mich. Doris met Bernard (Bernie) Bishop at Admiral Corp. and they were married on July 14, 1949.  

In her teens, Doris learned to sew, a hobby she enjoyed for decades. While she was learning, she put a little niece on the floor to trace her for a sundress pattern. When grandchildren came along, Doris often sewed Christmas pj’s and Easter clothes, adding the special touch of smocking to the girls’ dresses. Doris also picked up the skills of upholstery and wallpapering. She used her talents to be a blessing to many, including the churches she and husband Bernie helped build while serving as missionary church builders with Continental Baptist Missions from 1977-1996.

Upon retirement from CBM, Bernie and Doris settled in Florida, first in Punta Gorda, then in Sebring.

They enjoyed their Maranatha Village retirement community and hosted many guests over the years. Doris’ hobbies included sewing and alterations; tatting; playing games like Tuc, Hand and Foot and Mexican Train; putting together puzzles; and cardmaking.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, three siblings, husband Bernard, son-in-law Tom Bailey and granddaughter, Jessica (Bailey) Johnson. She is survived by daughter Diane (Tom) Bailey and son Mike (Connie), both of Sebring, Fla.; five grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on May 9, 2026, at Maranatha Baptist Church in Sebring, Fla. A private burial at Ridgeway Cemetery will take place at a later date.