Kelly Lauren Bishop's Obituary
With deep sorrow, and steadfast hope in Jesus Christ, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Kelly Bishop, who entered the presence of her Savior on June 25, 2026, at the age of 46.
Kelly was born on February 15, 1980, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Robert and Gail Waddill and was raised in El Dorado, Arkansas. She graduated from Southern Arkansas University with a degree in Business. From an early age, Kelly's life was marked by an unwavering love for Christ, a servant's heart, and a deep compassion for others.
Her faith was the foundation of everything she did. Kelly loved serving others, praying with and for people, and offering encouragement to anyone God placed in her path. She participated in numerous mission trips through Evergreen Church and Baptist Medical and Dental Mission International (BMDI), faithfully sharing the love of Christ wherever she was called.
One of the most meaningful seasons of her life was spending a year in Palestine teaching English through the Bible. It was there that her relationship with Adam deepened, and the two became engaged. They were united in marriage on July 22, 2006, at Beech Springs in Smackover, Arkansas, beginning a Christ-centered marriage built on faith, love, and service.
Of all the roles Kelly cherished, none brought her greater joy than being a wife and mother. Her favorite time of every day was simply "family time." She had a special way of making each of her boys feel uniquely loved, often telling them they were her favorite 12-year-old, favorite 15-year-old, or favorite 17-year-old. Before parting, she would lovingly remind them, "I love you most, but Jesus loves you more, and He is always with you." Those words became a treasured expression of both her love for her sons and her unwavering faith.
Kelly will be remembered as selfless, loving, kind, and remarkably persevering. She continually placed others before herself, extending grace, compassion, and hope even through life's greatest challenges. Her greatest joy was knowing Christ and pointing others to Him through the way she lived.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Adam; her beloved sons, John David, Judson, and Owen; her mother, Gail Waddill; her sister, Karey Simmons; her brother, Brian Waddill; several nieces and nephews; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever changed by her love and faithful example.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Waddill, and her uncle, Ronnie Waddill.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bixby-South Tulsa Funeral Service.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Church in Bixby, Oklahoma, with burial to follow at Bixby Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to www.givesendgo.com/back-the-bishop .
"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." - Matthew 25:23
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