Neoma Bishop

Neoma Elizabeth (Smothers) Bishop, 89, of Poplar Bluff, went home to be with the Lord Jesus Wednesday, April 22, 2020, surrounded by her family.

Neoma, the daughter of the late Leonard A. and Mary Ellen (Walker) Smothers, was born July 16, 1930, in Poplar Bluff. She was a member of South Poplar Bluff General Baptist Church and was a homemaker.

For many years she worked at Gossard Clothing Company and later at Walmart for 15 years. Neoma was a loving and devoted wife, mother and friend.

Serving her Lord and Savior and spending time with her family were her greatest joys. Neoma loved cooking big meals and gathering together, laughing, talking and just being a family. She enjoyed walking in the woods, being outdoors in God’s creation and taking short road trips to see new places.

Neoma lived life to the fullest, always thankful for God’s many blessings and never complained.

Memaw was the name she was most proud of, given to her by her first grandson and that name stuck through four more grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Neoma married Vernon L. Bishop on June 29, 1952, in Poplar Bluff. They were blessed with five children. He preceded her in death on July 11, 2000.

Survivors include five children, Carmilita (Ronnie) Walker, Connie Coleman, Cathy Mansbridge and Vernon L. (Lisa) Bishop Jr. all of Poplar Bluff and Cheryl (Kenny) Schalk of Nixa; five grandchildren, Shawn Daggett, Jennifer (Gabe) Lancaster, Heather (Nick) Cantu, Marah (Troy) Heckman and Tasha Schalk; eight great-grandchildren, Hunter Herrold, Hope Morse, George Lancaster, Thomas Lancaster, Peter Lancaster, Makayla Cantu, Trinity Cantu and Clara Elizabeth Heckman.

Four brothers, Clyde Smothers, Ralph Smothers, Bart Smothers and Clifford Smothers, and two sisters, Opal Browning Spencer and Eva Fox, also preceded Neoma in death.

A private family service will be held Sunday, with a graveside service following at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The Rev. Keith Luke will officiate.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Neoma E. Bishop; online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.