Mrs. Wilene Brooks Bishop, age 90, of Lyerly, GA, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
Born December 13, 1934, to Bill and Eva Woods Brooks, Wilene lived a long, full life devoted to her family, her faith, and her community.
Wilene was a member of Lyerly First Baptist Church for over 70 years. Her strong faith and commitment to her church were central to her life.
She served her community through her work as a nutritionist at the Parent Child Center and later as a school bus driver, retiring from the Chattooga County School System. A true southern matriarch, Wilene was known for her hospitality and love of cooking – her home was always open, and the table always full. She delighted in having a house bustling with family and friends, believing the more the merrier. She also had a love for travel and found joy in exploring new places with loved ones.
Above all, Wilene will be remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose kindness, strength, and unconditional love shaped the lives of everyone around her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ralph Bishop; her brothers, Howard Brooks and Clyde Brooks; and her son-in-law, Bobby Goodnight.
Survivors include her children, Rodney and Jan Bishop, Tina and Zane Ham, and Gina Goodnight. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Stacy and Jennifer Bishop, Adrienne and Brian Bennett, Chance and Carla Ham, and Addie and Scott Allums. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Ashley Reese and Justin Goodridge, Tyler Bishop, Devon and Annslee Bishop, Kaylin Bishop, Reagan Ham, Callie Allums, Andrew Allums, Mackie Bennett, and Briggs Bennett; and her great-great-grandchildren, Dawson Crane, Anna Reese, and Graham Reese; a twin sister, Irene Brooks Bishop, and a sister, Shirley Brooks Willingham. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.
Funeral services will be held at 4:30 P.M. Sunday, October 26, 2025, from the Lyerly First Baptist Church, with Dr. James Baird and Rev. Jon Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in Lyerly Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Stacy Bishop and Chance Ham, great-grandsons, Tyler Bishop, Devon Bishop, Andrew Allums, and Griggs Bennett; and great-great-grandsons, Dawson Crane and Graham Reese.
Mrs. Bishop will be in state at Lyerly First Baptist Church and the family will receive friends from 2:30 P.M. until the hour of service on Sunday.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests contributions be made to the Lyerly Cemetery Fund (P.O. Box 85 – Lyerly, GA 30730) in memory of Wilene Bishop. Please make checks to “Lyerly Churches Cemetery Fund.”
Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure – she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home-Summerville, GA.
