Althea Gathings Bishop, age 91, was called to her heavenly home on Saturday, January 15, 2022, in Orange Park, Florida. Althea was born on September 2nd, 1930 in Greenville, South Carolina to Vivian and William Gathings.
Althea was given the nickname “Spud” from her first boyfriend because she was a “cutie patootie”. She was married to William Joseph Bishop in 1954 in Charlotte, North Carolina and then moving to Jacksonville, FL in 1964 due to William’s transfer to Riverside Hospital as Hospital Administrator.
She received her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Wake Forest University and worked for Dr. Morris as a school nurse, later becoming the Supervisor of all of the school nurses within the Duval County School Board. Before retiring in her 70s, she continued her nursing career at Love Grove Elementary School, giving special care to those that were mentally and physically challenged.
Althea was a member of First Baptist Church of Downtown and demonstrated her love for music as one of the organists for the church. She taught her grandchildren the piano at a young age singing together her favorite son “Amazing Grace.”
Spud also was a Girl Scout Leader and loved to play bridge. She met the love of her life, Jim McCrae playing bridge and had many years of adventure with him. He was a pilot, owning a Cessna plane flying across beaches all over the USA. Jim also owned a restaurant and was a gourmet chef.
Spud’s passion in life was taking care of children, playing the piano, and being the best nurse she could possibly be.
The family wishes to thank Linda Oliver, CNA and Esther McMillan with Aging True for their outstanding service.
Mrs. Bishop is survived by her son, William Joseph Bishop, Jr. and daughter, Cindy Rene Bishop; her grandchildren, Tiffany and Benjamin; her great-grandchildren, Natalia, Landon, and Elijah - with one on the way. Her daughter, Patti Bishop Bolin preceded her in death in 2018.
In lieu of a service, remember every day is a gift and that we should all take advantage of our time here on earth making the most of out every single day. Spud would ask us to be open to doing random acts of kindness to everyone, friends, family, strangers, and especially to those of our senior population – always seeking to “Pay it Forward” as you never know when your time will be up.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com for the Bishop family.
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