A house RESOLUTION

 

TO REMEMBER AND HONOR THE LIFE OF DOREATHA GILLIS-BISHOP AND TO EXPRESS THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives learned with deep sorrow of the passing of Doreatha Gillis-Bishop on January 25, 2026, at the venerable age of one hundred eleven; and

 

Whereas, born the daughter of Daniel Alexander Gillis and Lucy Ellen Davis Gillis, Doreatha Gillis-Bishop came into this world on December 20, 1914, in Aiken County's Old Ellenton. Blessed to be part of a large family, her siblings were Mary and Martha (twins), Beatrice, Florence, Lelia Mae, Fred, Murray, Joseph, and Willie Lee; and

 

Whereas, the young Doreatha began her formal education at Great Cypress Church School and furthered it at Butler School in Barnwell. At an early age, she was converted and baptized and became a member of Great Cypress Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang in the Senior Choir. Ultimately, she became the oldest member and Mother of the Church; and

 

Whereas, on December 5, 1936, Doreatha was united in marriage to Blake Bishop Sr., and over the years the two welcomed into the family eight children: Richard, William Henry, Annie Mae, Blake Jr., Willie Lee, Willie Mae, Maryann, and, sadly, a stillborn baby girl; and

 

Whereas, in addition to serving her church, Doreatha served her community as the oldest member of the St. John Benevolent Society and Pride of Barnwell OES #77 in Barnwell. She also was honored and given a plaque on February 4, 2023, as the oldest living member of District 10, Order of the Eastern Star PHA; and

 

Whereas, she further served at the Barnwell County Nursing Home for many years as a nurse assistant; and

 

Whereas, having such a sweet, beautiful spirit, she was loved by everyone who knew her. She was the matriarch of Turner Street, and the honorable name "Mother" was placed on her by all, especially the children of Turner Street, where she resided for years. Her affection for the children showed in her everyday life when she would let them gather in her home to keep them out of the elements. She fed them toast and jelly while they waited at the school bus stop on Reynolds Road; and

 

Whereas, Doreatha loved canning her vegetables, making lye soap, sewing quilts, and working in her flower garden, and she loved her cats. She also relished having her children around her. Because the family grew so large, there were numerous reunions, birthday parties, and celebrations of all kinds that gifted the entire family with many precious memories. Doreatha dressed in blue for many of these events because blue was her favorite color; and

 

Whereas, Doreatha Gillis-Bishop leaves to cherish her memory four children, William Henry Bishop, Annie Mae Fluitt, Willie Lee Bishop, and Maryann Frank; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other dear family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Blake Bishop Sr.; sons Blake Bishop Jr. and Richard Bishop; and daughter Willie Mae Sellars. Greatly loved, she will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, remember and honor the life of Doreatha Gillis-Bishop and express their deepest sympathy to her family and many friends upon her passing.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

----XX----