Carol Lee Bishopp (83), a devoted mother, proud civil servant, and beloved friend passed away at her home on April 30, 2026.

Carol was born in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, on November 7, 1942, to the late Calvin and Vivian Kirkpatrick. She graduated from Shippensburg Area Senior High School in 1960. Driven by a desire to serve her country, she moved to Washington, D.C., shortly after graduation to begin a career with the Department of the Army. She later transferred closer to home, working at the Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

Over her distinguished civilian career of more than 30 years with the U.S. Army, Carol earned multiple commendations and awards. She was widely recognized for her expert dictation in shorthand, her meticulous work ethic, and her unwavering determination to go "above and beyond" no matter the task. In December 1990, Carol’s patriotism shined brightly when she became one of a select few civilians from Letterkenny to voluntarily deploy to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. For her courageous six months of forward-theater service supporting the Gulf War, she was honored with the Civilian Desert/ Shield/Desert Storm Medal, Department of the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal, and the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service Medal. She retired from LEAD in 1991, forever proud of the vital support role she played in theater.

Beyond her government service, Carol was an enterprising business owner. During the 1980s and early 1990s, she co-owned two popular Waynesboro, Pennsylvania establishments: Bob’s Hide-Away and the CLB Black Horse tavern. She also loved the water and owned a large boat docked at the Columbia Island Marina in Washington, D.C. Some of her fondest memories were spent sailing the Potomac River, surrounded by family and close friends.

In 2009, Carol moved to Rockwall, Texas, to be near her son and his family. Taking up residence at the Evergreen Apartments, she immediately noticed the community garden was overgrown and neglected. Blessed with an extraordinary ability to cultivate any flower, Carol poured her love into the soil, transforming the space into a vast, breathtaking botanical oasis. The apartment complex officially recognized her commitment in their community newsletter, and neighbors affectionately dubbed her "Garden Carol." Even as health issues began to plague her, she could be found out in her sanctuary nearly every morning, working meticulously. Her deep love for her garden was matched only by her love for birds; she kept her yard filled with active feeders and birdbaths, adamantly ensuring they were never empty.

Carol was previously married to Robert A. Bishopp, 1961-2004. They had one son, Stephen (Steve) A. Bishopp. Her previous address before moving to Texas was 42 Jumper Rd., Shippensburg, PA. Carol was a lifelong, Terrible Towel waving fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Additionally, her absolute favorite singer of all time was Conway Twitty. Above all else, she loved God. She greatly enjoyed reading her well-worn Bible and talking about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Vivian Kirkpatrick, and her brother, Kenneth Kirkpatrick.

Her legacy of love, strength, and beauty lives on through her surviving family. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Roberta Kirkpatrick of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; and her

son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Jennifer Bishopp of Rockwall, Texas. She was the cherished grandmother of four grandchildren: Dannon (Marshall) Garrett of Jonestown, Pennsylvania; Lauren (Kyle) Jordan of Asheboro, North Carolina; Braden Bishopp of Rockwall, Texas; and Rylan Bishopp, who is currently carrying on the family's tradition of service in the U.S. Air Force in Okinawa, Japan. Carol was also blessed with four great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life: Evelyn (7) and Vale (4) Garrett, and Avery (4½) and Owen (1) Jordan.

Carol—our Mom and Mimi—was truly loved and will be dearly missed. She is home now, enjoying the presence of God, wrapped in a new, painless body, and happily reunited with her mom, dad, and brother.

I miss you, Mom! Until we see each other again...