Susan Alice Bishop, 73, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on April 20, 2026. Born January 10, 1953, in Aiken, South Carolina, Susan later returned to Tennessee after spending many years in North Carolina.
Throughout her life, Susan’s devotion was most clearly seen in the steady way she loved and cared for those around her. A hard-working presence in the lives of her family, she adored her children and grandchildren, and she especially cherished times when everyone could gather together and simply be in one another’s company. She is now able to join her husband of 52 years, Thomas Wayne Bishop, in heaven.
Susan found comfort and joy in simple pleasures: camping and the outdoors—once she got there, as the packing process was not her favorite—along with days at the beach. She had a fondness for dogs and cats, enjoyed yard sales, loved to read, and took pleasure in cross stitch, giving her quiet moments a sense of purpose and calm.
Susan was a member of By Faith Free Will Baptist Church until she was no longer able to attend, and her faith remained an important part of her life.
Susan was preceded in death by her father, Carl Nathaniel Curtis; her mother, Joann Waller; her husband of 52 years, Thomas Wayne Bishop; her grandchild, Joanna; her siblings, Jessie and Larry; and her best friend, Shirley.
She is survived by her son, Thomas Shea Bishop; her daughter, Rita Dawn Vancor; and her son, James Bishop; her grandchildren, John, Felishea, Shea, Billy, Mirissa, Savannah, Matthew, Aaron, James, Hannah, and Jessie; her siblings, Carl, Sherry, Barbara, Shawn, Shannon, and Scott; her beloved dogs, Cinnamon aka Nay-Nay and Dude; her cherished cats, Jackie, Dabbie, and Blue Booger; and numerous nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and friends.
Visitation will be held at Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E OAKLAND AVE, Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, on April 28, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. A Funeral Service will follow at the same location on April 28, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. A Committal Service will be held at Mountain Home National Cemetery on April 28, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
The family cannot express enough appreciation to the first responders that assisted them; their care and concern for Susan, as well as the family members present, did not go unnoticed. Thank you for the continued prayers and thoughts of those that have expressed concern.
