Mary Nadine Bishop

Mary “Nadine” Dunford Bishop, age 92, of Ozark, Arkansas entered into her Heavenly home on September 16, 2023. She left her family’s embrace and received the most welcome one from her Savior, family, friends, and her beloved pets. For the first time in many years, Nadine was able to clearly see all of Heaven’s beauty. Nadine was born in Ozark on December 15, 1930 to Theo and Bessie Dunford. After graduating from Ozark High School in 1949, she attended Draughon’s Business College in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She worked at Speer Hardware Company in Fort Smith for 24 years. She moved back to her hometown of Ozark in 1980 and worked as an insurance clerk for Dr. David L. Gibbons for 12 years. Nadine was a member of Grenades United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim Bishop of 25 years; sister-in-law Johnnie Dunford; and numerous family and friends. Nadine had many “loves” in her life. She loved life in itself as well as the love for baking, cooking, going out to eat, talking to others, reminiscing about the past, playing the piano, reading, playing cards, camping, traveling, going to social events, serving at the Franklin County Extension office, and caring for others. Her ultimate love was her family, friends, and church. Nadine was defined as a true “gem.” She exemplified the Proverbs 31 Woman. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and Aunt Dean to all. Nadine is survived by one brother William (Bill) Dunford of Fort Smith; two nieces, Joni (Galen) McCloskey of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jill Dunford of Fort Smith; one great niece, Averie McCloskey of Tulsa; one stepson Curtis (Carolyn) Bishop of Ozark; two stepdaughters, Jean White of Fort Smith and Tawana Blankenship of Houston, Texas; seven step grandchildren and 13 step great grandchildren. Open viewing will be held from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Monday, September 18, 2023 at Shaffer Funeral Home Chapel in Ozark. Graveside service will be held 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Jackson Cemetery, East Highway 352 north of Ozark with brother Sam Wilcox officiating under direction of Shaffer Funeral Home. The family would like to extend a special thank you and appreciation to the staff at Ozark Nursing Home who were not only her special caregivers, but also became her friend and family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Jackson Cemetery, Attn: Lucy Sowell, 12627 Hwy 23 North, Ozark, AR 72949.

Mary Nadine Bishop

December 15, 1930 - September 16, 2023