Maurice Lavence Bishop Sr.

Maurice L. Bishop Sr. was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 35 years, Mary Ann Bishop. Together, they built a life filled with cherished memories, raising their children: Maurice Bishop Jr. (Vence) of Tennessee, Jennifer Tribue of Tennessee, Steven Tribue of Tennessee, and Resheena Bishop of Texas. Maurice also cared deeply for his niece, Jessica Bishop, whom he considered more like a daughter.

He is survived by his sisters Melanie Bishop of Tennessee (the last of the union between Julia and James Bishop), Kimberly Bishop of Texas, and his brothers Stephen Bishop of Texas and Chris Bishop of Hawaii . His stepmother, Minister Carolyn Bishop of Texas, also mourns his passing. Maurice took great pride in his grandchildren: Riley Steveson (24, TX), Jeremiah Tribue (20, TN), Kimora Robinson (19, TX), Caziah Thomas (14, TX), Clarence Thomas IV (12, TX), Landon Bishop (13, TN), Braelynn Bishop (13, TN), Gia Bishop (7, TN), and Chase Bishop (6, TN). He is also survived by his great-grandson, Zion Steveson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren, including Maurice Barret (Little Maurice, TX), Chauncey Smith (C.I., TN), Jonathan Batey (I.C.U. or Teddy, TN), Kenneth Talley (TN), Deshawn Watson (TN), Lily Miller (TN), Courtney Wheeler (GA), and Genora Huchins (TN).

Early Life and Family

Maurice was the first of four children born to Julia and James Bishop. He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, brother, Keith Bishop, and his sister, Tammy Bishop. Maurice was born on September 9, 1961, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and went home to be with the Lord on April 12, 2026. He grew up in Gary, Indiana, where he attended West Side High School. Maurice often reminisced about his childhood adventures in the woods and the mischief he and his siblings and cousins would get into.

He met his first wife, Vicky Randolph, and together they welcomed their son, Maurice Jr., and daughter Resheena. The family moved to Texas in search of better opportunities, where Maurice's strong work ethic and willingness to learn allowed him to thrive. He was never afraid to get his hands dirty or ask tough questions, and he always lived by his word. Maurice and Vicky’s union ended in Texas, and he later met Mary Ann in Austin, Texas.

Building a Life Together

Maurice and Mary Ann decided to blend their families and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where they lived for six years. During this time, they opened twenty-one pawn shops for Easy Corp, and Maurice later worked for a company installing ATM machines for banks. In 2000, the company expanded to Tennessee and selected Maurice as the tech and a salesperson, Mike Powell, to operate the Tennessee area. The family moved to Nashville in 2001, where Maurice and Mary Ann purchased their home. Maurice empowered Mary Ann to be a stay-at-home mom, always supporting her choices.

After the company ceased operations in Tennessee, Maurice and Mike Powell chose to stay and founded their own ATM company, First Regents Banc Services. For a time, the company operated out of both Mike’s and Maurice’s homes. Their partnership continued for over 24 years, marking a legacy of entrepreneurship and dedication.

Passions and Mentoring

Maurice had many passions, including music, mechanics, computers, and cars. Not limited to those thinks. He loved to learn. He passed his love for cars on to their son Steven always being available to teach and collaborate with him. When Steven was just six years old, Maurice took him to work at the pawn shop for a summer. Maurice also nurtured Maurice Jr.'s desire to make music by purchasing equipment and recording sessions for Vence, his friends, godchildren, and many others. He mentored these young people not only in music but in life, sharing the wisdom imparted by his own father, James Bishop.

Maurice’s guidance and encouragement earned him the affectionate nickname “Pops” among the young men he mentored. He cherished family gatherings, often filling the house with young people making music, writing, and spending time together.

A Loving Husband and Soulmate

Maurice is the love of Mary Ann’s life and her soulmate. He embodied integrity, hard work, inventiveness, and unconditional love. He stood by Mary Ann through her illnesses, and college always reassuring her with his steadfast devotion. Their relationship spanned 35 years, with five years together before they married. Maurice and Mary Ann exchanged vows beneath a tree in their backyard in Austin, Texas, a private ceremony that held deep significance for them (October 8th). Then in 1996 we got married in Indianapolis IN (March 29th.

Daily life with Maurice was filled with shared breakfasts, devotionals, Bible verses, and conversations about their faith and understanding. They enjoyed watching programs like paternity court, comedians, and funny animal videos before starting their day. The absence

of Maurice feels as though he is simply out of town, but his family knows he has gone to be with God. He will be deeply missed.

Health Battles and Resilience

Maurice faced significant health challenges, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Despite these, he continued to rise early each day—often at 5:00 AM—to work a full day and later spend an hour on his beloved podcast, Dopeliven TV. Maurice was a people person, and his passing came after a heart attack.

Daily Rituals and Remembrance

Mary Ann will miss Maurice coming home in the evenings, sharing dinner, watching the Evening News and Wheel of Fortune, and taking a power nap on the sofa. Afterward, Maurice would prepare for his podcast, always asking, “Babe, what time is it?” She would reply, “Baby, it’s 7:00, is it time for me to go to my show?”

Legacy of Love and Wisdom

There are countless stories to share about Maurice. He was genuinely loved and played a significant role in many lives. Maurice would want his family and friends to use the wisdom he imparted to better the lives of others. He was rich in love, family, and friendships.

Special thanks are extended to Mike and Chris Powell for their support, and to all those who offered kind words, help, food, and generosity during this time. Your presence and support are deeply appreciated.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. On Saturday, April 25, 2026 the gathering of family and friends will take place at 11:00am followed by a celebration of life service beginning at 1:00pm.