JoAnn Bishop

Rachel JoAnn Bishop, formerly of Hancock, MD, entered into the arms of Jesus on July 16, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Joann was born on July 15, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Johnny and Helen Johnson and her stepfather, Ted Munson.

Joann was a caregiver from the start, taking care of the house and the younger children. She cooked delicious meals at a young age for her siblings while her parents worked. It wasn’t a chore for JoAnn, she loved it. Nothing made her happier than to cook a big meal and watch people enjoy it. If you were a friend or a loved one, you enjoyed many of her delicious jams, jellies, apple dumplings, fudge, pies and cakes. She delivered them to friends, family, doctors, anyone that helped her in any way. The man that plowed her snow for years only wanted baked goods as payment. She made pan after pan of peanut butter fudge. She had it in the Park-n-Dine restaurant for years selling it to their customers. 

JoAnn worked outside the home at London Fog factory and Rayloc. She loved being a housewife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed gardening and selling all the goods they harvested; hundreds of dozens of sweet corn and three acres of black raspberries that required hiring people to pick them, selling hundreds of quarts a season and more orders than could ever be filled.

Joann, although not a very big woman, had a lot of strength. She managed a set of pruners, a sawzall and weed eater with no problem. She greased her own John Deere tractor and even made her own part to fix her weed eater, because the part was not available any longer. If there was a job to be done, she could do it. She was strong, feisty and the sweetest, loving, caring woman around. 

At the age of 19, Joann was married and then had four children. All she ever wanted was her kids. The love she had for them is unmeasurable, only God himself could love them more. She was always available to help in any way. As adults, we had broken bones, a sick husband, dirty remodel projects and grandkids with surgery. She was always there for the task at hand with love that was completely unconditional. Her family was her pride and joy. She lit up when we came to visit welcoming us with open arms and a big smile.

Joann loved her country and was very patriotic. She always had American flags around her home. Red was her favorite color. Her home and kitchen were filled with red appliances and decor.

Joann loved the Lord. When she was able, she was in church. Most recently she went to Sidling Hill Christian Church near her son’s house, where she was staying due to her health. She was able to sit in the car and listen to Pastor Bill Swope’s message. Joann loved going to church, reading her Bible and living according to it.

She is survived by her four children, Lloyd Bishop Jr. and wife, Dixie of Needmore, PA,  Debbie Unger-Kenney and husband, Mark of Cumberland, MD, Kenneth Bishop and wife, Dona of Little Orleans, MD, and Gregory Bishop of Mercersburg, PA; ten grandchildren, Wendy Morris (Phil), Nicole Unger, Travis Unger, Kenny Bishop, Alex Bishop (Megan), Aaron Bishop (Crystal), Hannah Allen (Thomas), Zachery Bishop, Bucky Pirtle, Mandy Szarenski (Mike), thirteen great-grandchildren, Markell Twigg, Xavier Twigg, Eden Frashure, Aubrey Russ Jr., Tianna Broadway, Keandre Russ, Jayden Szarenski, Tyson Russ, Liam Unger, Brooklyn Szarenski, Riley Bishop, Quinton and Owen Bishop; one great-great grandchild, Hazel Frashure; two sisters, Nellie Coffman and Judy Mitchem; and one brother, Robert Johnson. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Lloyd C. Bishop, Sr.; two brothers, Johnny Johnson and Joe Munson; three sisters, Dottie Forshaw, Florence Barker and Mary Ellen Barnes; and one son-in-law, Kenny Unger.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 11:00 am at Grove Funeral Home, 141 W. Main Street, Hancock, MD, with Reverend Bill Swope officiating. Graveside services will be at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, Hagerstown, MD. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion, Boonsboro, MD.

Friends will be received at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, from 5-8:00 p.m and 10-11 am on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Grove Funeral Home, 141 West Main St, Hancock, MD. Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.grovefh.com