Edrie Mae Barton Bishop, 88, of Pulaski, died Saturday December 16, 2006 at her residence. She was born March 31, 1918 in Radford and was the daughter of the late Desi Frances Covey Barton and David Earl Barton. She was a long-time member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pulaski, where she was active in the Wilma Tye Circle, the Emma Byrd Bible Class, the Choir, and taught Sunday School and directed the Angel Choir for many years. She was known to many people throughout the county for her beautiful singing voice and as an expert seamstress. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Thomas Bishop, a daughter, Betty Anne Bishop Apperson, eight brothers and sisters, Helen Barton Farmer, Victor R. Barton, Virgie A. Barton Scott, William Cecil Barton, Donald Earl Barton, Winfred E. Barton, Hubert L. Barton, Sallie Aileen Barton Howell. She is survived by two daughters, Phyllis Elaine Bishop of Pulaski and Frances Bishop "Francie" Crigger and her husband J. W. of Pulaski; one brother, David Harold Barton and his wife, Charlotte of Jonesville, Va.; a son-in-law, Courtney E. Apperson, Jr. and his wife, Pam of Aiken, S.C.; two granddaughters, Lori Apperson Gourdin and her husband Pete of Seneca, S.C., Cara Joy Apperson of Aiken, S.C.; and one grandson, Thomas Matthew Crigger of Blacksburg; six great-grandchildren, Ian and Jacob Gourdin of Seneca, S.C., Lyric, Moss and Larkyn Rogers of Aiken, S.C. and Alexi Dawn Crigger of Pulaski; a special brother-in-law and his wife, Ralph W. Bishop and Gladys of Cynthiana, Ken.; two special care givers, Betty Jones, and Judy Turner; and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday December 19, 2006, at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Randy Winn and the Rev. Dr. Larry W. Bishop. officiating. Interment will follow in Thornspring Cemetery. Visiting will be anytime Monday after 2 p.m. at Thomas M. Seagle & Sons, where the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Flowers will be appreciated, but for those who wish, they may make memorial contributions to the general fund or to the music fund of the First Christian Church, P.O. Box 1007 Pulaski, Virginia 24301. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Thomas M. Seagle & Sons, Pulaski.
Published in the Roanoke Times on 12/18/2006.