Joann Rookis Bishop

Joann was born on March 13, 1941 to her parents Annie Mae and Joseph Rookis in Birmingham, Alabama.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph J. Rookis and Annie Mae (Naro) Rookis and her siblings Nasief and Henry and Elizabeth Sudano and her son, Jeffrey Sanders Bishop.

Joann is survived by her husband of 60 years Sanders, her daughter Regina Gongre, and her grandchildren Anna (Noah) Goodwin, Alexis Bishop, and Alison Gongre, her twin sister Rosann Rookis Messer, and many nieces and nephews. 

 Joann was a devout Catholic and her faith shaped her life in a beautiful way. Her faith was evident is how she lived her life. Her special joy was her family and as far as she was concerned her granddaughters were the very best. When she was physically able Joann attended every event of her children and grandchildren. This love of family included her extended family and she hosted the family Thanksgiving for years. She was known for being a great hostess to her children and grandchildren’s friends and is loved by them all. They especially loved her outspoken and feisty sense of humor.

During her life Joann enjoyed working with the Montessori kindergarten class, preparing second graders for their first communion, volunteering at church and her children’s schools.

In her spare time, Joann enjoyed hummingbird watching, watching musicals and classic movies, cooking, baking, and fashion especially sparkly clothes which she described as “blink blinky”.

A Rosary will be said at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cullman on November 17,2024 at 7:30 PM. Visitation will be Monday, November 18th at 12:15 at St. Bernard Abbey Church followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:00. The Graveside Service will be at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, AL where she will rest alongside her beloved son, Jeffrey.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all of you for your prayers, presence, love, tele- phone calls, telegrams, and all other expressions of concern that you have shown during their time of bereavement. 

Flowers are appreciated and donations may be made in her memory to St. Bernard at 1600 St. Bernard Drive, Cullman, AL 35055.