Lisa Dawn (Newbold) Bishop, age 55, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026 with her husband and daughter by her side. Lisa leaves behind a legacy of deep devotion to family and friends, love for nature and the mountain community she called home, commitment to service and lifting others, advocating for inclusivity and equal rights, and a life lived unapologetically, joyfully with arms wide open. Her radiant spirit and beautiful smile lit every space she entered.

A Life Rooted in Family & Friends

Relationships were the foundation of Lisa’s life, and her husband Joel and daughter Isabel were the center of her universe.

Lisa’s greatest joy was found in being Isabel’s mom for 21 years, celebrating her accomplishments and in the simpler day to day, silly moments. Lisa’s legacy shines brightest in Isabel, seen in her sense of humor and confident, determined, radiant, joyful and loving spirit. The two fiercely loved and supported one another, sharing the deepest of mother daughter bonds.

Lisa and Joel, her husband of 25 years, met in the late nineties working in the Asheville restaurant scene. The two were deeply connected through their love of nature, gourmet meals Joel adored creating, time spent with their wide network of family and friends, and most of all, their daughter Isabel. Lisa and Joel built a life together grounded in devotion, understanding, love and laughter.

Lisa’s rich love for extended family, chosen family and friends was deeply felt throughout her 55 years. Lisa created space in every circle for warmth, tons of laughter, and unconditional acceptance. She was a steady anchor for her loved ones, celebrating every milestone and offering fierce support during challenging times.

At Home in Nature

Lisa found her greatest peace and inspiration in the beauty of the outdoors with family and friends. Whether she was searching for seashells, watching sea turtles emerge from their nest, waiting for the sun to rise over the ocean or listening to water dance through mountain rivers and creeks, she felt a profound connection to the earth.

Life of Learning & Love of Music

Lisa’s early years were spent in Kernersville, NC. She graduated from East Forsyth High School’s Class of 1989 and received her Bachelor of Arts at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Lisa remained committed to lifelong learning through her love for reading.

She trained for many months and reached her goal of completing the 13.1 Asheville ½ marathon in 2013.

Lisa became a skilled potter through classes and hours of practice at Odyssey Clayworks in Asheville and loved seeing the joy that her work brought to family and friends.

Lisa made countless concert memories with family and friends. From Lollapallooza, Lilith Fair and LEAF to Taylor Swift, Shawn Mendez and Lizzo to Bonnie Raitt, Pink and her beloved Chicks, Lisa’s broad musical taste provided endless opportunities for sharing her love of music and a good time.

Devoted to Service & Perseverance

Throughout her career, whether behind a bar or waiting tables, creating and managing purchase and sale systems for hotels and restaurants, auditing school district policies and procedures or supporting coworkers through workers compensation claims, Lisa took very seriously the role of helping others and providing support needed to complete each job with accuracy, excellence, and professionalism. Lisa loved her coworkers at Outback Steakhouse, Tressa's Downtown Jazz & Blues, Bonefish Grill, The Grove Park Inn, Echoview Fiber Mill, FIRC, Inc., and Asheville City Schools.

Lisa and Joel navigated the challenges of loss of work in the hospitality industry during the 2020 pandemic but persevered, remaining in the Asheville area and ultimately shifting to non hospitality roles, committed to serving the community they’d spent 20 years together building.

Lisa worked fiercely throughout fall of 2024 and into 2025 advocating for and providing direct Hurricane Helene relief in her beloved community of Barnardsville and throughout the broader reaches of Buncombe County that experienced devastating storm damage.

For nearly two years, Lisa navigated the challenges of obtaining FEMA support for critical repairs needed on her mountain neighborhood road, a result of Helene, and was able to see her work supporting this community effort come to fruition through repairs in August 2026.

Heart & Soul

We already miss Lisa terribly but find some comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain. She loved deeply, lived fully and found joy in the simplest of moments. Stories of how she made us laugh and how she loved us all so well will be shared for lifetimes. Lisa was the kind of person everyone wanted to know and they couldn't help but love. Just knowing that Lisa is out there in the universe, looking out for us will carry us through.

Surviving Family

Left to cherish Lisa's memory are Joel Bishop, her devoted husband of 25 years; her daughter, Isabel Bishop; her siblings, Tonya Newbold and Jay Newbold; a wide circle of extended family, the Bishops and the Ingrams; her chosen family, and many dear friends; and Bleu, their feisty little Blue Heeler pup.

Lisa was preceded in death by her parents, Euell Ingram Fitzpatrick, Dennis Fitzpatrick and Jim Newbold; aunt, Connie Ingram Bradshaw; uncle, Keith Ingram; uncle, Robin Ingram, with whom she shared a special bond; and her father-in-law, Graham Bishop who shared her birthday and a mutual admiration. She is also reunited with Nooya, Keema and Nala Candycorn Popsicle, members of their beloved canine family.

Service and Memorial Information

A celebration of Lisa’s life will be held on October 3, 2026, 2:00 - 4:00pm at Mountain Fiesta, Spring Creek, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the GoFundMe created by friends to help provide Joel and Isabel with the space to grieve without the added weight of immediate financial pressure. The link will be posted here when available.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving the Bishop family during this time.