Dedicated wife and mother, daughter, sister and dear friend

Devon Williams Bishop died on Friday, November 15, 2013. She was 50.

Born on August 17, 1963 to Harry and Jane Williams, Ms. Bishop grew up in Claremont, attending Sycamore Elementary, El Roble Intermediate and Claremont High School, where she directed and performed in many theater productions. She will always be remembered for her beloved role as “Mary Poppins.”

Ms. Bishop continued her education at the University of Utah, where she received her bachelor’s degree in theater. She was the recipient of the Kennedy Center National Acting Award and The Victor Jory Award.  After graduating, Ms. Bishop moved to Hollywood where she met her future husband, actor/musician John Bishop, while they were performing in a play together. They married in Claremont in 1990.

She continued to act and dance, earned her Screen Actors Guild card and performed in several guest-starring roles on popular TV shows. Ms. Bishop’s desire to share her love of the arts led her to become an instructor of Movement for Actors at Chapman University and at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

She continued to expand her knowledge of the entertainment industry working in business affairs at New World Entertainment and Tri Star Pictures. The unique combination of Ms. Bishop’s talent, skills and experience culminated in the formation of Players Project Talent management, where she worked diligently as a talent manager for Mr. Bishop and a select group of actors for the last 12 years. 

Mr. and Ms. Bishop created a family with the births of their two beautiful girls, Fiona and Ivy, and settled in La Crescenta. Ms. Bishop enjoyed volunteering for the “Meet the Masters” art program at the girls’ elementary school and swimming daily at the La Cañada YMCA. Above and beyond everything else, Ms. Bishop treasured her role as a loving mom.

Upon learning of her breast cancer, and the fact that one in eight women suffer from this awful disease, Ms. Bishop was inspired to help others by bringing light and awareness to the subject. In addition to taking on her own journey, Ms. Bishop partnered with photographer Catherine Money to create “One in Eight,” a photo exhibition to empower women and educate all who would listen (http://oneineightphotos.com).

Ms. Bishop was thrilled to ride on the Vera Bradley Float for Breast Cancer Awareness in the 2009 New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade. She thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to cheer on and honor other breast cancer survivors.

“I’ve never witnessed anyone who battled this disease with such bravery and grace,” reflects a dear childhood friend, Susannah Hough. “She was the epitome of strength and grace. She shared her humor, intelligence, bright smile, talent and warmth with all who were fortunate enough to know her.”

Ms. Bishop is survived by her husband, John Bishop, and their two girls, Fiona, 11, and Ivy, who is 8. She also leaves her father, Harry Williams, and her three sisters, Robin Williams-Rooke, Kim Littlefield, Bryn Caisse and their families. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jane Williams.

“Devon fought to survive. To live,” her family shared. “She leaves this world as a hero, with dignity and knowing that she was completely honored. We extend thanks to the doctors and especially the nursing staff at Huntington Hospital and City of Hope, South Pasadena as well as heartfelt gratitude to our loving friends and family.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bishop            Girls College Fund c/o Wells Fargo Banks Account #1393091648 Routing #122000247 Montrose Branch, 2434 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020. (818) 249-6146.

A celebration of Ms. Bishop’s life will be held at the Neighborhood Unitarian Church (301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena) on Sunday, December 8 at 2 p.m.