Sara Ann McCampbell Bishop

Sara Ann McCampbell Bishop, 81, of Asheville, entered eternal life on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 after a short illness. She made this journey in the presence of  her loving family.

Sara was born in Nantahala (Swain County), NC in a railroad house on the Murphy Branch where her father was stationed when he was employed with the Southern Railway System. His job took him to Connelly Springs (Burke County) NC where she was raised. She was a 1961 Graduate of Valdese/Francis Garrou High School, Valdese, NC. She was a resident of Asheville since 1976.

Sara was a huge Country Music fan-even a “groupie” of artists in the 1960’s. She met and had her photograph taken with “Whispering” Bill Anderson, Charley Pride, Waylon Jennings and many other Country Music legends. She would often rush home from wherever she was on Saturday nights (if she wasn’t going to the VFW 891 dance) to watch the Grand Ole Opry and “The Statler Brothers Show” on The Nashville Network.

Sara also liked to travel. She liked going to the beach and she was fortunate to have visited Paris, France and Hawaii.

Sara could bake the best Pineapple Upside Down Cake. During Sheriff Van Duncan’s campaigns she was known as “the cake lady” with all of her baked goods that she would bring. She was also a mean country cook, with her collard greens preparation and her macaroni and cheese recipes being passed down. New Year’s Day was a celebration to always look forward  to in our family with the traditional Southern meal. Her cornbread was also delicious. Those recipes were also handed down as well, so we can continue on with that for generations to come.

Sara was a member of Abernethy United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and served as a Communion Steward for many years. She was also a member of VFW Post 891 Auxiliary and Moose Lodge 781. Sara was also an advocate and supporter of local Law Enforcement, especially the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. She “Backed the Blue” with all of her heart.

Sara held many jobs over her career-Bank Teller, Bartender, Swimming Pool Manager, Restaurant Manager (where she was affectionately called “Mama Sara”), Lead Cashier at Biltmore in retail sales where she retired in 2008. She was proud “Biltmore Family.”

But the job that she was most proud of was raising her son, David (Melissa), of Canton, NC and being “Nana Binky” to her sunshine-Grandson Jonathan David Bishop, who predeceased her in 2003. She is holding him now.

Others that will carry on her memory-Granddaughters (She was known affectionately as “Grandma Sara”) Jennifer Billings (Den), of Marshall, NC and Samantha Williams (Danny) of Fairview, NC, Special friend Larry Fowler of Asheville, NC, Brother Roy McCampbell Jr. of Valdese, NC, Sister Mary Cline of Collierville, TN-Step Son Jim Bishop of New Bern, NC and several other grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also a special thanks to her neighbors Ralph Maltry and Maria Maltry that helped to watch over Sara that we consider members of our family.

Others that have gone home that Sara has reunited with are  Roy McCampbell Sr. and Maude House McCampbell, husband James F. Bishop who went home in 1993, Daughter Dawn Penland, Sisters Nellie Spivey and Betty Marshall.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Abernethy United Methodist Church, 1418 Patton Ave. Asheville, NC, at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 21, 2024 with Reverend Dianne Johnson officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Police Benevolent Fund, 2155 Highway 42 S., McDonough, GA 30252   http://www.pbfi.org  in her memory or to local Hurricane Helene funds, also  in her memory.

We would like to thank the staff at Pisgah Manor/Liberty Health/Hospice and the floor staff of Mission Hospital/HCA for taking good care of Sara in her journey.

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