Obituary of Debra Arlene Mullins-Bishop

Debra (Debbie) Arlene Mullins Bishop passed away suddenly on December 26, 2021 at the age of 60. Debbie was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on December 19, 1961 to Artis and Maudie Mullins. A graduate of Parchment High School, Debbie was united in marriage to Jeff Bishop in October 2001. Debbie thoroughly enjoyed an array of activities including NASCAR, watching races at the Kalamazoo and Galesburg Speedways and spending time at Lake Michigan. She spent a period of her life as an avid bicycler, riding miles and miles each day. She was a lover of animals and always enjoyed a relaxing drive - whether around town, or states away to visit her family. She was very talented in crafts and art, full of creativity. She particularly enjoyed being called “Grandma Cookie” and spending time with her family. Debbie was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Artis and Maudie Mullins, and cherished aunt, Christine Wilson. She is survived by her husband, Jeff Bishop; children, Josh (Rachel) Garbacik and Christine (Nicholas) Nelson, Samantha Bishop, Tyler Bishop, Zack Bishop; grandchildren Kali, Kaede, and Sebastian Blain, Drew and Wyatt Nelson, Isaac and Allison Bishop; brothers James (Hope) Mullins and Edward (Melissa) Mullins; countless family members and dear friends. Debbie will be deeply missed by all who loved her and she loved in return. A celebration of life will be planned in the spring with details to follow. In her memory, donations may be made to the SPCA of Southwest Michigan: https://spcaswmich.org/donate, 6955 W KL Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49009 or the American Cancer Society: https://donate3.cancer.org/. ******* Her Journey’s Just Begun by Ellen Brenneman Don’t think of her as gone away - Her journey has just begun. Life holds many facets, the Earth is only one. Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears, In a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. Think how she must be wishing that we could know today, How nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched, For nothing loved is ever lost - And she was loved so much.