Billie Berniece Bishop

Billie was born on June 1, 1946 to William and Dorothy Bristow of Merced, California. She grew up in Firebaugh and Dos Palos. Billie met the love of her life, Pat Bishop at the Kingdom Hall when she was 14 years of age.

On March 2, 1961 Pat and Billie were married in a little wedding chapel called Sunset in Reno, Nevada.

They made their home together in Chowchilla, raising two children. Their son Kim Bishop and daughter Leah Bishop were both raised and have deep roots in Chowchilla.

Billie was so proud to be a mother and that didn’t change when she became a grandmother. She was a kind loving, but most of all she was so selfless. When she loved you, she loved unconditionally. Billie always provided support and love for her whole family. She loved road trips and camping at the lake.

When all her grandchildren were sitting around the campfire, laughing, and sharing stories with her while listening to George Straight would be the perfect evening for her.

She loved butterflies, sunflowers and her favorite color was turquoise.

Billie enjoyed rainy days and talking to her loved ones on the phone.

When Billie said “until death do us part,” she meant it! Billie was absolutely beautiful and had many friends. She chose Pat and was with him until his death October 19, 2012. Billie never remarried after Pat’s passing, and on today’s date they re-joined each other in this companion grave.

Billie had a lifelong relationship with her mother. She talked with her mom every day until her mother passed this last February 2022. This and the prior passing of her husband were two of the most difficult chapters of her life. She wore the grief well, but losing her mom took a toll.

Billie leaves behind her son Kim Bishop (Debi), daughter Leah Bishop, her grandchildren, Aaron and Stephon Bishop, Brenton and Travis Newberry, Kalah Page (Justin), and Karson Bishop (Ariel). She also leaves behind 4 Great Grandchildren, Jacob Newberry, Madison Newberry, Justin Page, Kaimbria Page. And another great grandchild to be born to Karson and Ariel Bishop on March 23, 2023.

In her life, she did far more for others than she ever did for herself and gave far more than she ever received. You see her beauty wasn’t just on the outside, it was on the inside as well. Billie (Gran) will forever be missed by her family and friends, and all that knew her.

Gran, with the gift of years comes the treasure of knowing that there are many who love you dearly. The memories you’ve made with us will last forever. The tenderness you’ve shared with us will never fade. The most wonderful gift you could ever give is the special part of you that now lives in each of us. The truth your love has taught us can only be strengthened by the gift of time.

For where roots grow, deep memories grow forever.

We all love you Gran

A Visitation Service for Billie will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 10:30 at Palm Memorial Worden Chapel with Graveside to follow at Chowchilla Cemetery District.

Please visit www.wordenchapel.com to leave the family any condolences. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger.