Melba Sue Bear Bishop

Melba Sue Bear Bishop, age 91 of Burns, TN died at home surrounded by family on March 6, 2026.   A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the Taylor Funeral Home with Terry Bear officiating.  Interment will follow in the Richardson Cemetery.  The visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of service.  For those desiring, memorials may be made to the VFW Auxiliary 4641.

Melba was born on November 1, 1934 in Dickson County.  She was a daughter of the late George Earl Bear and the late Lena Icca Jones Bear.  She had worked as a machine operator for the Henry I. Siegel (H.I.S.) garment factory.  She was also employed as a supervisor for the Schrader Automotive factory in Dickson.    In 1952 Melba married James E. Bishop, a U.S. Army Veteran who served during the Korean War.  They were married for 42 years until his passing in 1994.  Melba was a lifetime member of the VFW.  She was always involved in their activities, but also loved getting to play cards, bingo and bunco.  During her time with the VFW, she and fellow members created the “Happy Helpers Volunteers” group to support friendship, fellowship and community service.  Melba also volunteered for 20 years with Highland Rim supporting outreach programs.

Mrs. Bishop was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lena Bear; her husband, James Bishop; her son James Darrell Bishop; and all of her siblings.

Melba is survived by her son, Ronnie Bishop (Sheila) of Cumberland Furnace, TN; grandchildren, Alan Bishop (Valerie) of Hickman County, Amber Herrell (J.P.) of Cumberland Furnace, TN, Rusty Bishop (Geri) of White Bluff, TN, Robert Bishop (Jessica) of Cumberland Furnace, TN, Dustin Bishop of Sparta, TN; great grandchildren, Zoey, Zavier, Blake, Tiphanie, Preston, Jordan, Makayla, Jordan, Emilee, and Kinley.