Alma P. Bishop

is honored with a Brick from Philomene E. Peete

This tribute is to honor and express gratitude to a Great Aunt who was with her family 93 years.

Valeri Kack-Brice’s book, “For She Is The Tree Of Life,” is a beautiful compilation honoring grandmothers. In it she states that as children we are desperate for a connection to a loving presence. Further, we are relieved to have structure and routine from a mature caregiver. Even though she had no children of her own, for many of us, Alma P. Bishop was (and still continues to be) such a person.

Although she was my Great Aunt, Aunt Alma was a unique person with a particular quality of her own. Those who truly knew her will acknowledge that she transmitted history, wisdom, practical information and concern. As a point of reference, if you ever wanted to stay current with world events, one simply called Aunt Alma.

Then there are wondrous memories of her gardening, baking, and genuine concern for others. Is it important to send flowers when someone is in the hospital? Aunt Alma always did. I personally remember the time when after spending a week in the hospital after surgery, coming home to the wondrous smell of fresh baked pound cake. Then to my wonderment, realizing an entire dinner accompanied the cake. (All this prepared by her when she was 90 years old.)

Understandably, for those of us who were bound by blood, she was teacher, confidante, and surrogate mother who strove to protect and maintain family. Because she came from hardworking industrious people, for her, “family” was very important. Consequently, when you compliment the one, you validate the many.

Thus, it is with such spirit that she and other family elders have provided a connection to the past. Thereby, giving us a sense of another time, a slower pace and a closer relationship to the activities that fill basic needs.

Finally, as a woman who was establishing her identity, I was grateful for Aunt Alma’s modeling and invaluable support. Speaking for family, by what she gave, we came to know ourselves. For that, we honor her.

May 1, 2001