Kaytee K. Bishop

CHARLOTTE - Kaytee Bishop, age 88, died October 14, 2015. She was born July 10, 1927 in Bladen County, the only child of the late Rudolph and Clyde Spears Kinlaw. Kaytee graduated from White Oak School at age 15 and from Woman’s College (now UNC Greensboro) at 19.

Kaytee met the love of her life, Dr. E. L. (“Bud”) Bishop, in Greensboro in 1946. They married June 28, 1947, and she taught junior high physical education and science while he completed his education. They then made their home in Charlotte, where Bud established his dental practice.

Kaytee’s family was her passion. She devoted her life to the welfare and happiness of her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She encouraged her children to dream big and strive, but loved and supported them relentlessly in failure as in success.

Hundreds of Carmel Road-area residents recognized Kaytee as the “Trash Lady,” who for years walked miles of the road almost daily, collecting litter. For her, it was natural to serve, exercise and enjoy the outdoors all at once, and her persistence led to a Charlotte Observer feature story, awards from neighborhood groups and even speaking engagements. Well into her 80s, Kaytee cared through the week for her great-granddaughters. She loved conversing with her children and grandchildren and wanted every family gathering not to end. She also enjoyed seeing movies with her special friends, visiting with Carmel South neighbors, and attending church and Sunday school. Her Friday morning hair appointment was can’t-miss.

Kaytee was predeceased by Bud, her husband of 59 years, and son-in-law, Jim Largen. She is survived by five children, Mary Ann Largen, Dr. John Bishop and wife Julie Rose Bishop, David Bishop and wife Mary Margaret Neilson Bishop, Dr. Cecelia Ramsey and husband Mike Ramsey, and Dan Bishop and wife Jo Johnson Bishop; thirteen grandchildren, Ed Largen and wife Tempie More Largen, Jim Largen and wife Tanya Baker Largen, Sarah Bishop, Alex Bishop, Lee Ramsey, Catherine Bishop, Zach Bishop, Anna Kate Ramsey, Jack Bishop, Blake Rose, Cartland Bishop, Marae Bishop and Greylee Bishop; and three great-grandchildren, Kinlaw Largen, Mallory Largen, and Cece Largen.

Kaytee’s family will celebrate her life at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2015, at Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Rd., Charlotte; reception at the church to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the church.