Rev. Darlene M. (Fletcher) Bishop

The Reverend Darlene M. (Fletcher) Bishop was born in Reading, Pennsylvania on August 11, 1950, the third of four children, born to the late Alberta L. (Taylor) Fletcher and the late Walter L. Fletcher, Sr. Darlene always shared fond memories from childhood and never missed an opportunity to recount stories and lessons from her parents. She came to know the Lord as a young girl through her family’s faithful teachings and attending church with her mother-in-law, Essie Mae Bishop.

Darlene was a diligent student of the Reading School District and graduated from Reading Senior High School in 1968. She went on to attend Howard University where she was the first in her family to graduate college. She received a Bachelor's degree in 1972 and became a certified Elementary School Teacher. She began her career teaching at 12th and Marion, followed by 10th and Green. Upon her return from maternity leave in 1978, she was placed at Amanda E. Stoudt where she enthusiastically taught 3rd grade for the remainder of her 32 years of teaching. Her style was that of a “warm demander” that her colleagues respected and her students (and their parents) grew to appreciate because she maintained structure while she lovingly educated. As she would pick up her students from lunch, you could hear the echo of her saying “Good Afternoon, Class” as the class would respond with a respectful, in sync “Good Afternoon, Mrs. Bishop”. During her tenure, she also received her Master’s in Education from Kutztown University. Darlene was always organized, thorough, and resourceful. She loved writing and was applauded for her perfect handwriting and cursive.

While in college, on a trip back home, she met the love of her life, Melvin W. Bishop. He was mutual friends with her siblings’ friends and he would hang around the house when he knew she was expected to be home. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on December 31, 1976, New Year’s Eve. Two years later they welcomed their beloved daughter, Chanelle Tiffani. Few things made her prouder than her daughter’s achievements and she supported her and stood beside her for each and every single one. Despite her suffering, she continued to put everyone else ahead of herself, including making sure she had her final birthday celebration for her daughter a week prior to her passing. She managed to join in the celebratory singing of “Happy Birthday”. Anyone who knew Darlene knew her family meant everything to her.

In her leisure time, Darlene enjoyed sight-seeing, crafting, decorating, and time with her family and friends. The Holy Spirit called her to ministry and she studied diligently for over two years. Her Pastor described her as “a student of the word”. In 2011, she became a Certified Minister through the General Council of The Assemblies of God (Penndel). Darlene taught a “New Believers” class at Glad Tidings for years. As fate would have it, one of her students from the group she led years prior, was on the nursing team that cared for her during her time at Tower Health Rehab this past spring. She was an unapologetic Christian and a prayer warrior. There was not much Darlene would say without referring to relevant scripture. She loved music and dancing, and it would be no surprise to see her show up to church early to enjoy the worship music. Her Spirit will remain as big as her personality!

In 2009, she was blessed with another important title that she cherished, Mom Mom. Nothing brought more joy to her than her 3 precious granddaughters, Taylor (named to honor her mother), Layla (whose facial characters resemble that of Darlene), and Kaycee (a name she and her daughter adored because as Darlene said, you cannot say it without smiling). Even in her last days, Darlene would clearly greet her pride and joys with, “Hey Baby”.

Darlene was known for her love of Christ, black history, music, dancing, baking, creativity, beautiful custom-made cards and scrapbooking, celebrations, Christmas and The Electric Slide. She was an avid reader who loved children’s books for the meaningful messages. She even taught her daughter how to read with a book that she wrote and illustrated. Her collection of books was extensive and she often gifted books to others. She was a meticulous planner, and before her transition, her family came upon bags labeled “2024 gifts” for her granddaughters. She was adamant that they be and well-dressed and she enjoyed going on shopping sprees to outfit her babies through the present time. The same was true for making sure the girls were well-stocked with school supplies.

Darlene loved to watch “Price Is Right”, Soap Operas, and "Jeopardy” with her daughter and they had the opportunity to be in the audience of “Price Is Right” a few years ago, something that Darlene had on her 1988 version of her bucket list. She loved to play Boggle, Bingo, and Scrabble with her siblings, watch Westerns, Lifetime, and Hallmark with her husband, and have movie nights with her granddaughters watching shows such as “A Dog’s Purpose”, “Imitation of Life”, “Wizard of Oz”, and a variety of Christmas movies.

On the early morning of August 7th, the day before the passing of her mother some 45 years ago, The Lord heard her cry and weariness from sickness, hospitalizations, and medical interventions and he said to her “come to me all who are weak and weary and I will give you rest… job well done my good and faithful servant”. She was surrounded by the greatest loves of her life, Melvin and Chanelle while listening to worship music, reading the 23rd Psalm and excerpts from “Jesus Calling”, and praying. Moments after her family gently touched her and let her know that it was okay to rest, she peacefully transitioned. Ironically a couple of weeks prior she said it was time for her to “move on from here” and when her daughter asked “to where”, she faithfully and confidently replied, “to His House”.

She leaves to mourn her devoted husband, Melvin, her doting daughter, Dr. Chanelle Tiffani Bishop-Gilyard, and her dear son-in-love Kenneth Gilyard II. Her loving granddaughters (Taylor Chanelle, Layla Kennedy, and Kaycee Victoria). Darlene’s adoration for her sisters (Marlene F. Book, Dianne L. Fletcher) and her brother (Walter L. Fletcher) was incomparable. Darlene was so fond of her nephews (Charles F. Book, Larry Foster (Michelle), Christopher Bishop, Marion Criddell, and deceased Fred Criddell) and nieces (Jeannette Bridges (Michael), Pamela Clement (John), and Nedra Williams) as well as her great nieces and nephews. Darlene will be missed by a host of dear family, friends, and students.

Darlene’s bright smile and infectious laugh was felt by all, and she will be missed by anyone who had the privilege to know her. Given how many people she reached through her decades of teaching and years in ministry, that is indeed a lot!

A viewing for Darlene will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, 1110 Snyder Rd., West Lawn, PA 19609. A celebration of life service will promptly commence in church at 11:00 AM. Graveside committal will immediately follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation to The American Porphyria Foundation to help raise awareness and reduce suffering of others.