Elinor Emma O'Bryant
Elinor Emma Bishop O’Bryant was born in the small community of Landgraff, in McDowell County, WV on February 8, 1928, the daughter of the late Elmer Alfred and Elizabeth Collins Bishop. After 95 years of a well-lived life and surrounded by family, she transitioned to her heavenly home on the evening of March 16, 2023.
As a small child, Elinor’s family left WV, and moved to Christiansburg, VA where she was raised. She was baptized and confirmed at Asbury UMC and remained a member to the local United Methodist Church at every career move in her life. She attended the former Hill School and Christiansburg Institute, where she graduated in 1944. She attended Bennett College NC, earned an undergraduate degree from Morgan State University Baltimore MD, and earned a MSoc from the University of Southern California.
Elinor enjoyed careers in social work, education, and worked at EEOC where she was an awarded investigator. Elinor possessed a beautiful smile and a winsome, wise personality that gained many loving friends throughout her life. She adored gardening, plants and flowers and was a meticulous organizer. While always a contemplative and critical thinker, she matched it with a bright and fun sense of humor. In retirement she enjoyed volunteering with Meals on Wheels in Savannah before moving to Smyrna, GA to be close to her son, Julian and granddaughters, Michelle, and Monica. There she enjoyed participating in physical fitness programs and volunteering at church and within the Smyrna community. She was an active member of Covenant United Methodist Church in Smyrna until relocating to Acworth, GA. where she attended Acworth United Methodist Church until health challenges prevented her attendance.
Elinor was predeceased by her parents; Rev. Elmer A. Bishop, Sr., and Elizabeth Collins Bishop; her daughter, Janice Elizabeth Phelps Hollins, and brother, Elmer A. Bishop, Jr. Elinor leaves to cherish her memory her son, Julian B. Phelps, grandchildren, Michele H. Coleman and Monica D. Hollins, Julian B. Phelps II, Armon J. Phelps and Jovanda N. Irving; 20 great, and 12 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters; Antoinette B. McNeill, Gladys (Harold) Claytor, Judy (Jason) Diggs, Lynn (Thomas) Melton, and Connie (Thomas) King; brothers, Raymond Bishop, James (Martha) Bishop, Sr., Nathaniel (Sylvia) Bishop, Jack (Debi) Bishop, and more than three dozen nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church in Christiansburg VA at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial suggestion is to Asbury United Methodist Church, Christiansburg.
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My continued prayers for you, Julian and family. Your mom was a beacon of light when she would call into the office.
Although your mother is no longer with us, she will always be remembered. I see many of your mothers and grandmother’s qualities in each of you. Extending my warmest positive thoughts, and prayers with you.
Grandma was the person who believed in me and always challenged me to exceed expectations and to trust in my potential. She always corrected me with love, hugged me with gentleness, and was truly proud of me. She gave me confidence to be my best self and when she would tell me to “kiss her cheek”, I felt she thought it to be so grand. I would like to say that her and I had a special sense of humor, but I know that she had one with all of those whom she held dear. She just had a way of making everyone in her presence feel like they were the most special person in the world. She has supported me and was there for me every. step. of. the. way…and I will live with that supportive love, treasured in my heart forever, Grandma, I know you will watch me shine from heaven now…even as you shine with the (Son) sun. Love, your Jovanda Dear.
Condolences to the family Rest in heaven .
Prayer for the Bereaved
God of love and mercy, embrace all those whose hearts today overflow with grief, unanswered questions, and such a sense of loss. Grant them space to express their tears. Hold them close through the coming days.
May the good lord be with your entire family as you all grieve for your loving heart and beautiful spirit.
May momma be in peace in heaven.
Such a beautiful lady! Going to miss you 🙏🙏🙏
Such a beautiful lady! Going to miss you 🙏🙏
Julian & Family,
What a joy it was to get to know your mother/grandmother! A beam of light that was always doing something for the church and church family – a strong, independent, and kind person. She will be greatly missed. When we would visit, she loved to show us pictures of her travels, friends she’d made, people she loved and admired. I admire her so much. No doubt she left this amazing legacy to you and your family. I look forward seeing her again in heaven.
I enjoyed being with and talking to Miss Elinor, missed seeing her after she moved to Acworth. I can still see her driving to church getting out of the car , going around and taking the walker out and going in the church.
She was always so happy to be there. My prayers are with you all and I am sure she will be missed but she is waiting on all of you with Jesus.