Thora Taylor Pearce Bishop

Thora Taylor Pearce Bishop, age 94, died peacefully at her home with her family in St. George, Utah, on September 21, 2013. Thora was born August 25, 1919, in Plain City, Utah, to Elmer A. and Olive H. Taylor. She married Percy H. Pearce on March 11, 1941, in Ogden, Utah; the marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple. He preceded her in death on June 8, 1951. She later married Marion Maughan Bishop on June 7, 1955; he preceded her in death in November 1982.

At a young age Thora started her career as a hat and clothing model. She modeled for 13 years for L. R. Samuels, Auerbachs, Utah Tailoring Mills, and Donna Marie Hats. Many of her pictures appeared in Harpers Bizaare Magazine. One of the highlights of Thora’s early life was winning the Miss KLO Radio Beauty and Talent Contest in Ogden, Utah, and traveling to Hollywood as KLO ’s ambassador. While in Hollywood, Thora socialized with many celebrities of the time, including Jack Benny, Edgar Bergen, Leslie Howard, Dorothy LaMour, Andy Devine, and Robert Young.

Returning to Utah, she started her own business, Thora Pearce’s Freezer Food Plan, which sold freezers filled with food. She also sold insurance. She was in real estate for 25 years and managed the high-rise Carlton Towers and the Highland Terrace Apartments.

She loved oil painting, ceramics, and crocheting. Thora had many talents. To know her was to love her.

She was preceded in death by her youngest daughter Debra Kay Bishop, sisters–Orell Hunt and Fern (Joyce) Humphreys, and her brother Junior A. (Fern) Taylor. She is survived by her daughter Pamelyn Miller of Midvale, her son Drew (Elaine) Pearce of St. George, her sister Norda Primavera, seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 26, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Internment will follow at 1:00 p.m. A celebration of Thora’s life will take place in St. George at a later date.

The family would like to express appreciation for all the wonderful care given by Five Counties of Government, Gentiva Home Health Care, Home Instead, Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice, Dr. Douglas Callahan, and IHC Dixie Regional Medical Center, with special thanks to 3rd floor west. We would also like to thank the SunRiver LDS 2nd Branch for their loving support and wonderful help. Thank you Shanna, Marilyn O, Marilyn, M’Liss, Kimberly, June, Mary Jo, Kami, Jane, and all those who helped Thora in her last days and months.

Our very special mom, we will remember always your strength, courage, and loving guidance. We’re so sad to lose you, but so very glad we had you. With cherished memories, “We love you, Mom.”