Sally Ann Bishop, 84, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loving wife of 65 years to Bill Bishop, passed away April 7, 2022, surrounded by her family.  Sally was born February 2, 1938, the fifth of seven children in Sioux City, Iowa to the late Bev Mercer and Frances Miller.  She met her husband, Bill, in Iowa while working at Roe Dairy scooping ice cream and making milkshakes.  They married in April 1957 and started their life together in Chattanooga, TN after a short stay in Tupelo, Mississippi.  Bill's work at IBM moved them around Tennessee, to Florida, to NY, back to Florida and finally to Atlanta, Georgia in 1976, during which time they had 4 sons and 3 daughters.   Sally always dreamt of having a large family as she wrote in a Psychology Autobiography in 1956 when she was a mere 17 years old "I've always felt, even before taking psychology, that a home full of children is one of God's most important reasons for putting women here on earth.  It's one of the greatest purposes of life and the greatest gift.  I can't imagine anything more wonderful then to have God entrust you with a human life.  That is why I've always felt I would like to have a large family."  She went on to say, "A family who loves and are loved is the biggest asset you can have in life!"

During her life, she always disliked and was taken aback by the question "Do you work or JUST stay at home" and she was always quite clear that she was not JUST a stay as home mom.  Her roles were too numerous to count but in today's world her LinkedIn profile would read:

Company: Bishop Family Incorporated

Mission Statement:  Ensuring that her husband, children, and grandchildren were happy.

Soda Jerk, Secretary, Caterer, Uber Driver, Taxi Driver, Bus Driver, Chauffer, Chef, Cake Boss, Baker, Confectioner, Waitress, Costume Maker, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Religious Director, Spiritual Leader, Prayer Partner, Referee, Timekeeper (I'll count while you run to the mailbox), Den Mother, Philanthropist, Physical Therapist, Pharmacist, Executive Assistant, Disciplinarian, Juvenile Delinquency Officer, Nurse, Medic, EMT,  Soup Deliverer, Nanny, Family Counselor,  Marriage Counselor, Party Thrower and Event Planner, Relocation Specialist, Efficiency Expert, Home Organizer, Hair Dresser, Speech Pathologist, Warden, Concierge, Peace Keeper,  Gardener, Bed & Breakfast Proprietor (& Lunch & Dinner), Zookeeper, Pet Advocate, Dressmaker, Seamstress, Toymaker, Lifeguard, Stuffed Animal Medic, Antique Chair Collector, Baby Cuddler, Librarian, Teacher, Tutor, News Reporter, Artist, Craftswoman, Heroine, and Vanna White had nothing on her.

Above all these titles, she was a daughter, sister, mother, wife, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and most beautiful soul. Her sense of humor, sassiness, kindness, generosity, unconditional love, and friendship are treasured gifts that we will always hold close to our hearts.  Her commitment to her faith, family, peace, and love were essential parts of her daily life.

In addition to her parents, she was greeted in heaven by her stepfather, John Miller, two sisters, Shirley Cobb and Beverly Taylor, three brothers, Bud Mercer, Don Mercer and Gary Mercer.  Also leaping into her arms in paradise were a few beautiful grandchildren, Eva and William Bishop.  Sally is survived by her husband of 65 years, Bill Bishop, her son David Bishop, daughter Fran Bishop, son Tim Bishop (Denise), daughter Juli (David) Shook, son Chris (Angie) Bishop, son Andy Bishop and daughter Michelle (Michael) Romaniello: 17 grandchildren and their spouses, and 5 great grandchildren. The total extended family is well beyond 40.  Her goal of a large family was indeed accomplished with love.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Marietta Funeral Home, 915 Piedmont Road, Marietta, GA.  Memorial Mass will be held Friday, April 22, 2022 at 11:00 am, at the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration.

Sally loved flowers so they are welcome at the Marietta Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed through https://www.mariettafuneralhome.org/obituary/sally-bishop