LaSheila "Sheila" Ann Bishop

LaSheila “Sheila” Ann Bishop, 70, of Fort Smith was returned to heaven on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center in Fort Smith, AR. She was born at St. Edward’s in Fort Smith on April 16, 1954.

Sheila grew up in Dora, AR; Indianapolis, IN; and Van Buren, AR, but lived most of her life in Fort Smith.

She was the first child of her parents, Marvin and Elizabeth Brown. She was a loyal and loving daughter to them throughout their lives.

Sheila’s life was devoted to her family. She worked hard as a young woman in support of her family and friends. She was a leader and caretaker to her four younger sisters, Ramona, Maria, Pamela, and Valerie, and her younger brother, Carey. She had a passionate personality that was both gentle and fierce. Everything she did, she did with the full commitment of her heart. Sheila enjoyed the company of others and could make friends with anyone, and she always treated her friends like family.

She was a consummate caretaker. Her greatest passion was looking out for the wellbeing of the people she loved. Her greatest want in life was to be a mother. She gave birth to a son, Wynn, in 1972, and twin girls, Sandy and Mandy, in 1974. However, all three died in childbirth.

Sheila’s heart had an endless supply of love, and she became a mother figure to many of her nieces and nephews, showering them with love and adoration and plenty of candy and presents. Some of her greatest joys came from the smiles and laughter of children. She could not help but give – it was her way.

She was a great cook and took enormous pride in feeding and providing for others. Her talent in the kitchen became her profession. She was a cook at Sparks Regional Medical Center from 1978 to 1993, making delicious food for countless patients, patient family members, and hospital staff. She was also a cook at Fort Smith Regional Airport.

Sheila remained a devoted caretaker in her later years, caring for her husband, Paul, her mother, her sisters, and her sisters’ children, in both their sickness and good health. Her greatest worry at the end of her life was not being present to care for her family.

Her funeral will be at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith. Viewing will be all day Tuesday at the funeral home, in lieu of a visitation.

Sheila loved children and prayed for their well-being. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Online Donations - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

She is preceded in death by her son, Wynn Holcomb; her twin daughters, Sandy and Mandy Holcomb; her father, Marvin Brown; her mother, Elizabeth Brown; her sisters, Maria Langford and Pamela Raache; and her husband, Paul Bishop.

She is survived by her sisters, Ramona Brown and Valerie Zeiler; a brother, Carey Baldwin; many nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.

Sheila’s legacy is love.

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