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Paula Jean Bishop, 81, of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, following a brief illness. She was the daughter of the late David and Gertrude Bishop.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, David R. Bishop, and infant brother, Joey Bishop.

Paula graduated from Elizabethton High School, where she was a member of the Elizabethton High School Betsy Band in 1960. She graduated from Carson-Newman College in 1964 with her bachelor’s degree, and then went on to earn her Master’s of Science degree from East Tennessee State University in 1969.

She retired from the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services after 32 years of service. Paula was an active member and office holder of the GFWC. She also was a member of the weekly lunch bunch comprised of her old school mates. She was an avid fan and served on the board of directors for the Elizabethton Twins baseball team. In her free time, you could find Paula watching sports, reading books, or catching up on the news.

She is survived by her nephews, Keith E. Bishop of Elizabethton and Brian (Lisa) Bishop of South Carolina; great-nephews, Johnathon Bishop and Dustin Bishop, both of Johnson City; great-niece, Kaelyn Bishop of Erwin; long-time friend and former sister-in-law, Donna Smith of Hampton; faithful friends, Mildred Rodriguez and Richard (Dick) Ryan; several dear cousins, John Swafford, Leon Swafford, Dean Johnson and Larry Sprouse, who lives in Dunlap, Tenn., which was her favorite place to visit.

A graveside service to honor the life of Paula will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with a eulogy by Mr. Leonard Febuary. The family would like to say a special thank you for everyone’s support and thoughts during this difficult time. Online condolences may be shared with the family and viewed on our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.

Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services are honored to serve the Bishop family. Office: (423) 543-5544