Ms. Mary Ann Burks Bishop, age 77, of Arab, Alabama, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday morning, September 11, 2025. Born on November 23, 1947, in Marshall County, Alabama, Mary Ann was the cherished daughter of the late James Edward Burks and Ruby Mable Ayers Burks.
Mary Ann was a devoted member of the Arab Church of Christ. She built a successful career as a technical writer with the U.S. Army Missile Command, where her attention to detail and dedication were highly valued. Beyond her professional life, Mary Ann was passionate about genealogy, scrapbooking, and reading. She found joy in shopping at thrift stores, cheering for Alabama football, and dining at Sierra’s Mexicanisimo Restaurant.
Mary Ann’s greatest love was her grandchildren, whom she adored. She was also known for her unwavering devotion as a caretaker for her husband, Tommy Bishop, a police officer who was shot and permanently injured in the line of duty. Her selfless spirit and generous heart touched all who knew her.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Maylond Thompson Bishop, Jr.; her parents, James Edward Burks and Ruby Mable Ayers Burks; and her brother, Earl Edward Burks, Sr.
She is survived by her loving son, Brian Bishop, and his wife, Jenifer Maze Bishop; her treasured granddaughters, Maggie Bishop and Mollie Bishop; sisters-in-law, Gloria Burks and Sarah Bunch (Joe Van Bunch, Sr.); as well as her nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.
Services for Mary Ann will be at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel on Monday, September 15, 2025. Family members will greet friends and guests for a visitation from 11:00am until the funeral service begins at 1:00pm. Officiating services will be Brother Clint Maze. Trey Williams, Jeff Mardis, Hollis Hart, Shane Byars, Jimmy King and Brian Strickland will be serving as pallbearers and escorting Mary Ann to her final resting place in Arab Memorial Cemetery. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
