Betty Jean Blackwell Bishop, 86, of Columbus, North Carolina, passed away Saturday evening, Feb. 17, 2018, at LaurelWoods Assisted Living in Columbus.

Born in Rutherford County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Hicks Martin Blackwell and Emma Jane Bradley Blackwell. Mrs. Bishop worked as a registered nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital, retiring after 40 years of service.

She enjoyed baking for family and friends, but, most of all, taking care of her family. Mrs. Bishop was a life-long Episcopalian.

Surviving is her husband of 61 years, Clannie Halford Bishop; two daughters, Debbie B. Gaither (Larry) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Julie B. Daniel (Rick), of Raleigh, North Carolina.  Also surviving are three grandsons, James Gaither, Eric Daniel and Scott Daniel.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Polk Memorial Gardens, Columbus, with Dr. Chris Osborn officiating.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Tryon, NC