Jacqueline D. (Jackie) Bishop died October 14, 2026. A celebration of 96 years fully lived and her return to perfect health will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 10 a.m. at Oak Hill United Methodist Church in Austin, TX, her hometown for the last seven years.
Jackie was thoughtful, savvy, strong, and, through her enthusiasm for her favorite activities, passed many talents to her children and grandchildren. She loved good food and enjoyed serving others her favorite meals. Friends remember her warm home, nurturing presence, and delicious desserts. Jackie was a spirited competitor and enjoyed board games and cards with her grandchildren and never just “let” anyone win. “Dominos with Jackie” was on the official community activities calendar of her home in Austin. She cheered the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs and kept handy a schedule of all televised golf tournaments. Jackie was rarely without a book or a crossword puzzle and frequently put her love for others into carefully crafted, type-written correspondence.
Jackie was born in Baltimore, MD on March 14, 1930, to John and Catherine Schmidt. She moved with her parents to the Panama Canal Zone in 1936 where she studied, married and started a family. She always held dear the vibrant culture of Panama, with brightly colored art and textiles adorning her walls. Jackie married Dale Bishop in the Canal Zone in 1961 and forged a loving and life-long bond with Dale’s daughter Edie. Together with their children, Mark and Jeanne, Jackie and Dale moved to Kerrville, TX in 1973 and were long time members of First Christian Church. Jackie was nicknamed the “Button Lady” by her crafting club friends at the church for her patient and thorough button sorting, a tedious task that turned into sought after works of art for the annual fall bazaar.
In retirement, Jackie and Dale enjoyed dancing of all kinds and traveling out of state with friends for square dancing events and golfing trips.
Jackie is survived by her beloved stepdaughter Edie Bishop of North Bethesda, MD, son Mark Bishop and his wife Alyson of Dripping Springs, TX, and her daughter Jeanne Sheets of Austin, TX. Jackie shared a sweet and close friendship with all her extended family and especially her children’s spouses, Alyson Bishop and David Sheets, and dear family friend Carol Beasley of Maryland. They shared common interests, close conversation and many laughs.
Jackie cherished her four grandchildren, Jordan Bishop, Connor Bishop and wife Kaitlyn, Jared Sheets and partner Libby Hallett, and Noah Sheets. A framed reel of their photos, accomplishments and pets was always within her reach.
Jackie was predeceased by her husband Dale, two brothers, John and Doug Schmidt, son-in-law David Sheets and nephew Dan McRae.
She is survived by her treasured nieces and nephews, John Schmidt, Kathleen Schmidt Ryan, Tracy Schmidt Boyce, Ruth Schmidt Ivester, Cheryl Schmidt Fritz, Danette Condon and many others with whom she often texted and chatted on the phone.
Throughout her life, Jackie remembered every family milestone. She comforted others before they comforted her. She was generous, helpful, attentive, and always kind.
Jackie’s family will treasure memorials made in Jackie’s memory to St. Jude, Hill Country Youth Ranch or MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Jackie will be buried in a private ceremony alongside her husband Dale Bishop at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.