Willie Ed Bishop

Willie Ed Bishop of Pittsburgh, PA, son of James “Tobe” Bishop and Lena Pearl (Lindsey) Bishop of Lineville, AL, passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Pastor Bishop was born July 24, 1940 in the town of Lineville, AL. An avid fan of sports and himself quite the athlete, Willie Ed was a member of an Alabama high school state championship basketball team, the Clay County Training School Bears. Little did he know that his athletic prowess would pay dividends in his near future. In 1961, he moved to Pittsburgh, PA where he resided until his passing. In July 1962 he managed to catch the eye of a young lady named Jewell Ann Brown. She was so impressed with the young man’s stature as she saw him walking down the street that she implored her girlfriend to introduce them. Willie Ed (he had not received the call to the ministry yet) did his part to seal the deal with an impressive fete of strength- he lifted a Volkswagen car onto the sidewalk to the delight of young Jewell Ann. The demonstration worked as they were engaged three months later and married three months after that on December 15, 1962. While he established such a high bar for himself to continue demonstrating his physical strength, it was his capacity to expand his heart that truly won her over for the next nearly 58 years.

Willie Ed made a career as a construction laborer with F.J. Busse Construction from which he retired in 2000. While building structures was his primary occupation, he felt God’s call to fortify his life as well as the lives of others. Herededicated his life to Christ in 1982 at Mt. Horran Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, PA, and eventually served as a deacon. Through study, prayer, and an earnest love of sharing the Gospel, he became Pastor of Olivet Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, in 1994, and Mt. Horan Church in 2007 until his passing.

Pastor Bishop had a fondness for the outdoors which brought him a sense of peace and serenity for self-reflection, and camaraderie and fellowship if with family friends. He enjoyed hunting anything from rabbits to deer, whether here in Pennsylvania, or in his native Alabama on return trips to visit family. He especially loved fishing with his sons and siblings.

Pastor Bishop had five siblings: brother Shelley Bishop (deceased), sister Dorothy Bishop (Lineville, AL), brother James Louise (deceased), sister Carrie Renee Wilson (Pittsburgh, PA), and brother Gerald Bishop (Lineville, AL).

From his union with his beloved Jewell Ann, he had Derrick Bishop (Pittsburgh, PA), Derryll Bishop (Pittsburgh, PA), Deidre (Willie) Bishop-Brown (Carmel, IN) and Derryn (Portia) Bishop (Pittsburgh, PA). Pastor was also affectionately called “Pap-pap” by a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was cherished and adored by his nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be missed by all. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” -Matthew 25:21

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