Lucille Bishop

Our beloved mother, Lucille Bishop (91) went home to be with Jesus on October 2, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was surrounded by family.

Lucille, was born on September 21, 1932, to William and Vera (Troublefield) Lee in Newark, New Jersey, bringing joy and laughter into the world. In her youth, she ran track, participated in local church and social clubs and loved to dance at a local community center called “The Jump.” She excelled as an honors student, graduating one year early from East Side High School. After graduation, Lucille worked for the city of Newark and pursued a career in journalism.

She soon fell in love and married Maxwell Conrad Bishop. They were married for 26 years and had three children. Lucille separated from her husband in the 1970’s, and obtained a full-time job at Rutgers University, working as an administrator in the African American Studies Department. She also studied at Rutgers part-time and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree.

Upon college graduation, Lucille taught at a local business school, then became an entrepreneur at Gilbert Checkwriters and Business machines in Newark, which she co-owned with her life partner, Otis Gilbert, who preceded her in death.

In her senior years, Lucille loved to stay active. She spent time working in the garden, harvesting food and flowers, and she started a hobby creating floral pens that she often gifted to family and friends. The legacy she leaves behind is connecting with people, inspiring them to follow their dreams. Until her last breath, Lucille continued to sing, dance and trust the Lord.

Lucille was sister to James A. Lee of Compton, California, Irene Lee of Detroit, Michigan, Gertrude Lee of Newark, NJ, Dewey T. Lee (wife Anna) of East Orange, NJ, Iona Lee of Milton, Massachusetts and Eloise Smith (husband John) of Newark, N.J. Lucille’s parents, her son Allan Conrad Bishop and all of her siblings preceded her in death.

Lucille is survived by daughters Gwendolyn Bishop of Newark, NJ, Kimberly Bishop-Jones (husband Vincent) of Lakeland, Florida, grandchildren Kyle Sanford, Cydnie Jones, Taryn Jones and Alana Jones, two great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private memorial will be held at a future date. In lieu of donations or flowers, please plant a tree or a garden of your choice, as we remember Lucille.