Joan Virginia Bishop

Joan Virginia Bishop, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2026, in Lake City, Florida. Born September 20, 1935, in Hyattstown, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Ervin and Ruby Sonifrank of Frederick, Maryland. Joan had resided in Lake City since 2012, when she moved from Gainesville, Florida.

Joan worked in customer service with Marshalls clothing stores, helping open several locations throughout her career. She took pride in her work, and shopping with her often came with a lesson on how clothes should be neatly folded and displayed. After retiring, she enjoyed working in her yard, creating beauty with her flowers and plants. She especially loved hearing compliments from people passing by. Joan also cherished her dog, Sally, whom she enjoyed spoiling rotten.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Bishop; her parents, Ervin and Ruby Sonifrank; her sister, Deloris Foster, and brother-in-law, Gene Foster, of Frederick, Maryland; and her brothers, Allen LA Graves and Robert LA Graves.

Joan is survived by her three daughters, Sandra “Sandy” King, wife of the late Tommie King, of Lake Butler, Florida; Donna Roth of Lake City, Florida; and Theresa “Terri” Regar (Dwight) of Lake City, Florida. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Roberts (Gene), of Frederick, Maryland; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A homegoing memorial service honoring Mrs. Joan Virginia Bishop will be held on November 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Full Gospel Church, located at 288 NE Jones Way, Lake City, Florida 32055. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Gateway-Forrest Lawn Funeral Home.

Her memory will be cherished by her family and all who knew and loved her.