Jacquelyn "Susie" Bishop

Susie was born February 14, 1949, to W.W. Jack New and Esther Adams in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She spent her childhood traveling with her family as her dad worked at various sawmills. They settled in Plainview, Arkansas where she graduated from Plainview-Rover High School.

She was pre-deceased by her parents; brothers, John New and Buddy New; and sister, best friend and partner in crime, Shirley McConnell.

Susie’s greatest joy in life was her family. She had two children and was blessed with three bonus children when she married the love of her life, Cecil Bishop, on May 7,1981. They spent their honeymoon and most anniversaries fishing.

Besides fishing, Susie and Cecil dedicated the next 44 years to making countless memories. They shared passions for traveling, gardening, and rebuilding old cars. During the summer months you would find them camped on Lake Ouachita, Lake DeGray, or Lake Nimrod.

Susie and Cecil, also, shared a love for family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To her grandchildren, she was Grandma Susie, but to most of her great-grandchildren, she was Memaw. She enjoyed sharing her special skills with the younger generation by teaching them to cook, sew, and play cards. We are sure she passed her ability to cheat onto them. Of course, the skill that she mastered above all others was her ability to spoil any child who came into her home. There was always an over-abundance of cookies, ice cream, and candy, especially her favorites: tootsie rolls and banana flavored taffy.

Susie spent more than 20 years as a member of the Garland County EHC. During her years, she was a member of the Crazy Quilters and Master Clothiers. She volunteered tirelessly during the Garland County Fair and the Arts and Crafts Fair every year. She loved teaching others how to do the one thing that she was passionate about: sewing. Whether it was clothing, crafts, dolls, or quilts, there was not an item that she could not construct. Most Christmas gifts were handmade including such things as flannel shirts and throw quilts for the guys; fur coats and lingerie for the women; and fancy dresses for the little girls.

Remaining to cherish Susie’s memory are her husband, Cecil; children, Micheal Riley (Carrie), Nancy Seaton, Greg Bishop (Dee), Andy Bishop, and Kim “Missy” Bishop. Grandchildren, Renee Moore (Parker), Katelyn Overton, Colton Riley, Gabby Riley, Kristian Lacy (Max), William Pate, Victoria Beck, Stephani Davis (Mark), Amie Bishop, April Mowery (Charlie), Brittani Chandler (Chris), and Bridgett Collins (Ron); 18 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. One sister, Becky Ellis (Darey) and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 7 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home in Hot Springs. Pastor Tommy Williams from Legacy Church will be Officiating.

In lieu of floral arrangements, the family is requesting potted plants. Donations in Susie’s memory may be to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Arkansas, The American Heart Association, or the Garland County EHC program (https://uada.formstack.com/forms/donations)

Online condolences may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com