Leona L. Bishop

Leona Jeanne Larsen Bishop, age 93, passed away on December 10, 2025 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family.

She was born to the late Layland Albert and Leola Mary Denney Larsen on September 27, 1932 in Buhl, Idaho. She spent most of her younger years in the western states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington before her family moved to Aiken, SC in December of 1950 when she was a senior in high school, graduating from Aiken High School with the class of 1951.

Following her graduation she was the first female hired by BF Shaw Piping Contactor at the Savannah River Plant in mid June of 1951 as a personnel clerk and secretary. This was where she met her husband William R. Bishop and was married on February 13, 1954, making their home in Aiken where they have raised and educated their four children.

In August of 1970, Mr. J.O. Willis, principle of Aiken High School hired her as a part time secretary in his office but after one year she was part or full time where she remained until 1978. At that time she went to the office of the Area I Superintendent for 2 years. During that time South Aiken High was being built and she was placed in the new school in July of 1980 as secretary and bookkeeper to the principal. She served in that position until retiring in September of 1992 after a total of 22 years with the school district of Aiken County.

For 65 years she has been a faithful member of South Aiken Baptist Church, where she held many positions of leadership. Serving as church clerk for 18 years, VBS superintendent, WMU director, choir member treasurer and member of the ladies Sunday school class.

Survivors include three daughters, Sandra Waddell (Tracy), Denise Collins, Shari Bishop (Brannon) all of Aiken, SC; one son, William Russell “Rusty” Bishop, Jr. (Vangie) of Modoc, SC; three granddaughters, Saree Robinson (Patrick), Allison Coleman (Derrick) and Danielle Griffin; one grandson, Cody Schumpert (Brenda); five great grandchildren, Kaden Wood (Macy), Kinsley Newsome, Tucker Newsome, Blake Robinson and Ava Schumpert; sister, Idonna Scircle (Charles) of Lexington, SC. Preceded in death by her devoted husband William R. Bishop, Sr., her parents, four brothers, Robert Larsen, Donald Larsen, Eddie Larsen and Larry Larsen, three sisters, Betty Radomske, Mary Lou Harms and Virginia Stephens.

She was a loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother, and sister who loved her Lord and family with all her heart. Always had a sweet smile on her face for those whom she came in contact with. She will truly be missed by her family and those who have known her.

The family will greet friends at the Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home on East Pine Log Rd, Aiken, SC on Sunday afternoon, December 14th from 1 until 2 o’clock. Funeral services will be conducted in the chapel of the funeral home following visitation at 2 o’clock. Interment will be conducted at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to South Aiken Baptist Church or to the charity of your choice.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC