RAPHINE Josephine E. "Betty Jo" (Fox) Bishop, 77, of 8234 N. Lee Highway passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010, at Augusta Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville. She was the daughter of the late Harry D. Fox and Francis (Miller) Fox of Rockbridge County.

A graduate of Dunsmore Business College, Betty Jo was a pioneer entrepreneur for the female gender. She started her 36 year career in real estate in 1974. She established her own company Bishop Realty in 1979 and was one of the earliest women owned brokerages in Augusta County.

Betty Jo was a member of the Greater Augusta Association of Realtors in which she served in every officers position and received numerous awards.

In 1993 she was the first woman elected to the board of directors with Bank of Rockbridge and later served on the advisory board of directors for One Valley Bank and BB \u0026 T.

She was a devoted Christian and member of Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church in Steeles Tavern for 48 years.

Surviving are her loving husband of 54 years, Stanley Eugene Bishop, Sr., Two sons Stanley Eugene Bishop, Jr. of Mint Spring and William Stuart Bishop and his wife Margaret of Staunton, one grandson Zachary C. Bishop, a brother Harry M. Fox and sister in-law Elsie Fox.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Lula Fox Rice and Rebecca Fox Gowin.

A Memorial service will be held at Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church in Steeles Tavern on December 18, at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mt. Carmel Church or donations to Kingsway, 797 Spottswood Rd., Steeles Tavern, VA 24476 - 540-377-5708

PRIVATE BURIAL:
Burial will be private