Gertrude Bishop

Bishop, Anne Priscilla Gertrude Davis, age 88, passed away in her home in Birmingham, AL on Saturday, the 12th of June, 2010. Gertrude was born in Cordova, AL on August 23, 1921 to John and Belle (Gurganus) Davis. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved and enjoyed her family ever day of her life. She is preceded in death by her father, John Davis; mother, Belle(Gurganus) Fondren; stepfather, James Arthur Fondren; brothers, Johnnie James and Billie Bruce Davis; step brother, Carl Fondren and step sisters, Jimmie Love(Fondren)Glaze, Opal(Fondren)McCormick, Anne Ruth(Fondren)Sims; and her first husband Mel A. Godwin. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Clarence W. Bishop; brother, Charlie Mac Fondren(Judy); son, William M. Godwin (June); daughter, Barbara A. Truitt (Travis); grandchildren, Wes Truitt(Pattie), Tracy Chesnutt(Andy), Ginger Cornelius(Keith), Pennie Pyle(Jimmy); nephew, James Allen Davis and niece Kelly Fondren; 11 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. Gertrude moved with her family to Birmingham in 1937 where she met her first husband, Mel Godwin and was married later that year. Together they had two children and lived in the Avondale area until the untimely death of Mel. While managing the record department at Silvers downtown, she met her second husband, Clarence Bishop. Together they owned and operated Bishop Advertising Sign, originally located near the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center and for the past 35 years located off Oporto Rd in Birmingham. Her love for family, music and sports were a central part of her everyday life and was the foundation upon which she kept her family together. Services will be held on Tuesday June 15, 2010 at 2:00PM at Jefferson Memorial Chapel with visitation one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East. The family would like to give a special thanks to Tammy Kyser and other care givers. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.