Ilene Marie Bisbee, 79, of Mabelvale passed away September 7, 2024. She was born July 21, 1945 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Allen and Hattie (Earls) Johnson. In addition to her parents, Ilene was welcomed into Heaven by her husband, Kenneth “Pat” Bisbee; daughter, Kera Zierhart; sisters, Hattie Lee Ford and Mary Jeannette Sprouse; and brothers, Bill Johnson and Robert Johnson.
Ilene was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, niece and cousin - although many cousins were more like sisters. Known also as "Memaw" and "Aunt Lenie," she never met a stranger. Ilene had a habit of becoming fast friends with everyone she encountered, and often embroidered gifts for those she loved. She spent the majority of her life as a homemaker and full-charge bookkeeper for the family business, C&C Sheet Metal, and loved working alongside the love of her life. After months spent apart during Pat's time in the Navy, the two were happiest when together, regardless of the place or circumstances. Pat and Lenie enjoyed countless trips with family and friends, fondly known as the "Branson Buddies" and "Blue-Hair Brigade." Their adventures took them to Branson, Mtn. Home, the Rocky Mountains, Nascar races in Talladega, and numerous lakes where Ilene loved to fish. In addition to traveling, Ilene enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, embroidering, watching movies, playing Rook and Chicken-Foot, cheering on the Razorbacks, Packers or Chiefs, and quietly taking in God's beautiful scenery and wildlife - sunsets, sunflowers, hummingbirds and deer were among here favorites. Above all, though, Ilene fiercely loved her savior, Jesus Christ, and her family (including her faithful dog, Spud), relishing any time spent together in-person or on the phone.
Those left to cherish the memories of Ilene include her children, Teresa (Ken) Hill and Brett (Sandy) Bisbee; grandchildren, Jennifer, Doug, Cody, Lauren, Ariel, Madison, Bailey, Kayla, Brianna, Tara, and Kash; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Peyton, Serenity, Annabelle, Cody Jr., Carter Ray, Cash, Calan and Woody; siblings, Richard (Mary) Johnson and Mildred Martin; as well as countless extended family and friends.
