Elizabeth McDonald Bishop

Elizabeth Bishop, age 89, longtime resident of DeFuniak Springs, Florida and widow of William “Dub” Bishop, passed away on April 24, 2023.  Born on January 5, 1934, in DeFuniak Springs, Libby was the second child of Leola and Aubrey McDonald’s nine children. Upon attending Walton County Schools, Libby married her love, Dub, in 1952. After relocating to Miami for Dub’s construction work, she became a talented homemaker and mother to two children.

When Libby and Dub returned to DeFuniak Springs a few years later, she ran the Gift Bar and Florist, where she helped townspeople with gifts for life’s milestones, including young couples picking out engagement rings or expectant parent’s needing baby presents, in addition to assisting with holiday decor, wedding registries, prom flowers and funeral arrangements.  The Gift Bar was also a popular destination for ladies who came for coffee and conversation. 

Seeing a business opportunity, Libby opened Tis the Season, a Christmas shop in Destin, Florida. Bolstered by her large family, she enjoyed connecting with her childhood friends and spending time with her husband. Dub was a true wit and enjoyed teasing everyone, but especially his “Lisbet.” 

Libby and Dub were married for over fifty years. Libby worshiped at the First Baptist Church, where for many years she played the piano and organ. Libby's family sometimes called her the “Queen” as she was an expert on the intricacies of southern etiquette. Also, with her intelligent blue eyes, porcelain complexion and ever-present lipstick, she favored Queen Elizabeth. Libby was a talented hostess during the era of women’s teas and formal small-town gatherings. She was a beautiful person inside and out, and truly listened to children and teens, and had a knack for making everyone feel special.

Libby spent many of her later years enjoying life at the “Big House” on the circle, owned in conjunction with four of her sisters. With Libby’s guidance, the sisters formed a business making holiday ornaments (made out of garfish scales) to help offset the house’s restoration. 

Libby is survived by her daughter, Terre Lee Bulan; five sisters, Ruby Southard, Genevieve VanSlate, Carolyn Zimerle, Jo Manning and Tawee Calay; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their extended progeny.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William Bishop, Sr.; son, William “Bill” Bishop, Jr.; grandson, William “Sonny” Bishop, III; and her brothers, Charles Lee McDonald, Ingram McDonald, and Aubrey Glen McDonald.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFuniak Springs.