Maria Bishop

Maria Bishop, age 80 of Haleyville, passed away Monday, January 11, 2021 at Russellville Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born August 28, 1940 in Stuposiany, Ukraine. Maria and her family were WWII refugees from the Ukraine, immigrating to the United States in 1949 and settling in Wiggins, Mississippi. She attended high school at Home Vocational School in the Big Level Community and graduated Salutatorian. In 4-H work, she won 114 ribbons in local, district and state contests. In 1959, she was chosen national winner as Outstanding 4-H Clubber in the United States in Frozen Foods Achievement. She won a prestigious Kiwanis Scholarship to continue her college and was asked to give a speech entitled “What My Freedom Means to Me” at the 1960 Kiwanis Club District Convention. Maria loved basketball and was a member of an award-winning girls team while at Big Level, as well as being named to the Mississippi All-State Championship Team. She began her undergraduate studies at Perkinston Junior College and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Masters in Home Economics Education from the University of Alabama.

After she taught one fun year of sixth grade at Pebble School, Maria then became the beloved teacher of Family and Consumer Sciences Education at Lynn High School with 31 years of service before retirement. 

Maria was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and a member of the Altar Rosary Society. She enjoyed baking for friends and family and the annual church bake sale. She also enjoyed reading, fishing and quilting.

Maria is survived by her loving husband, Defoy Bishop; three daughters, Dr. Kay Bishop (Dr. Mark Fruendt), Sherry Bishop (Keith Jennings), and Shay Bishop; four grandsons, Brandon Hyde, Devin Hyde, Jon Jennings, and Nicholai Cleckler; two sisters, Katherine Blessey (Glynne Simpson), and Anna Tarczanin; and a host of nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her father, John Tarczanin and mother, Anna Tarczanin Tuchak.

Visitation will be Friday, January 15, 2021 at Nichols Funeral Home in Haleyville from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. where the service will be at 2:00 p.m. Father Anil Thomas will officiate. Burial will be at Winston Memorial Cemetery.

Maria was a supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospitals For Children, and we ask if anyone is so inclined, memorials may be made to these children’s charities or to the charity of your choice.