Arlene Bishop

Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 11:00 am at Braden Methodist Church. Visitation Friday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the House of Day Chapel. Today, we reflect on 80 years of life of our loved one Arlene Bishop. Her journey was a great one since the day she was born on August 7, 1935, in Sunflower, Mississippi to the late Charles Walter and Mathilda Cooper.  She touched our lives in so many ways as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. As we all know, she had a strong sense of direction and could direct you anywhere within the United States.  This was tempered by keeping her out of the driver’s seat because she had a hint of road rage, shall we say.  With that said, her journey and direction was first and foremost spiritual as she loved the Lord, Jesus Christ, and accepted him at an early age.  Her path was charted, and destination was set, now let’s look in the rear view mirror to reflect upon her journey and the path of her life.  As a young girl she loved to protect her younger sisters and play outside. During her early teen years her family relocated to Toledo, OH.  She graduated from Scott High School. She regularly attended Bible study and enjoyed reading the word of God.  Arlene was a faithful parishioner of Braden United Methodist church for more than 60 years, where she was a member of the Usher Board and the United Methodist Women’s ministry. As an adult she held various roles within Toledo Public school,  Hunt Wesson company and was a dedicated employee of the Jeep Corporation, retiring after more than 30 years of service.  She was also a lifetime member of  the NAACP. Looking at her accomplishments no bumps in the road or detours stopped her from driving on. Everyone here that knew her, has taken a ride with her providing guidance along the way.  It wasn’t always a smooth road, as every road has potholes, but with the right navigator leading the way those hazards were avoided. Her strength led many of us to where we are today and we all love her for that. Arlene enjoyed playing cards, tripoley and casino trips. Being a part of a bowling league and visiting people from all walks of life especially those in nursing homes were all some of her favorite pastimes. We all know she never met a stranger.  If you saw her out in public, you knew, you were in for a long conversation due to her gift to gab. She loved her Saturday morning hair salon appointments and was a faithful client to Avon. Arlene made sure her 21 Grandchildren always had schools supplies and basic home essentials. Her legacy will continue with her 19 Great Grandchildren that were the joy of her heart.   On February 25, 2016, she achieved her final destination as her transition was sweet and peaceful. She leaves to cherish her memory, three daughters Angela Vine, Delvia  Bishop both of Toledo, OH & Andrea Bishop (Columbus, OH) and four sons Keith (Robin) of Charlotte, NC; Chris (Cheryl) Cedric and Charles (Jeanette) and special daughter in law, Tonya Nobles all of Toledo, OH and sister, Gracy Cooper of Chicago, IL. Her two sons, Juan & Hazen Bishop along with her sister Ruthie May Johnson preceded her in death. Arlene had a genuine love for life and her family she will be missed greatly.