Melba Hooks Bishop was born on September 9, 1931, to Elsie and Hattie Hooks in Lexy, Georgia. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was marked by faith, generosity, and service to others. She passed away on March 10, 2026, peacefully surrounded by her family.
A longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama, Melba was the beloved wife of the late Ernest Eugene Bishop Jr., with whom she shared a loving marriage of more than seven decades. Together they built a life centered on family, community, and deep Christian faith.
Melba was a faithful member of Spring Hill Baptist Church, where she was active in church life and ministries for many years. Her faith guided her life and inspired her compassion for those around her.
She was dedicated to charitable work in the Mobile community and served on the boards of the American Cancer Society and The Crittenton Home, helping support their missions of caring for those in need. Her quiet leadership and generous spirit made a lasting difference in the lives of many.
Melba was known for her gracious hospitality, warmth, and devotion to her family. She especially cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as summers in the mountains of North Carolina at Lake Toxaway, where she enjoyed the beauty of the mountains and lifelong friendships.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Eugene Bishop Jr., her son, Ernest Eugene Bishop III, and her son Gregory Keith Bishop.
She is survived by her children, Gary Nixon Bishop (Dawn), Timothy Craig Bishop (Kate), Julie Bishop Weinacker (Jimmy), and Laura Bishop Escue (Mike); her daughter-in-love, Anga Bishop; her many grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, all of whom were a great joy in her life.
Melba will be remembered for her strong faith, generous heart, and the love she gave so freely to her family and community.
The family would like to thank Evon Mitchell and Michelle and Anthony Freeman for the love and care they gave to our sweet mom.
A Celebration of Melba’s Life will be held at Spring Hill Baptist Church on Friday, March 20, 2026. Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Old Spring Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Spring Hill Baptist Church, American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.
