Christine "Chris" Matta Bishop

Christine Matta Bishop
March 30, 1945 – August 28, 2025

Christine “Chris” Matta Bishop was born on March 30, 1945, in Cumberland, Rhode Island, the oldest of three children and the only girl. After graduating from Cumberland High School in 1962, she attended secretarial school at Bryant College. In 1969, she met her lifelong partner, Bob, and they married in February 1970. Their journey together took them from Rhode Island to Mississippi, Tennessee, and finally to Gainesville, Georgia, which became her home in 1976.

 Chris worked as a legal secretary before embracing her most cherished role—mother to Curran and Bethany. Determined and independent, she became a pioneer of homeschooling in Hall County during the 1980s and ‘90s, founding support groups and encouraging countless families at a time when homeschooling was not the norm. She poured her energy into creating community through field trips, activities, events, and friendships that shaped many lives.

 Her life was marked by service. Chris had a heart for people and a gift for seeing needs—and quietly meeting them. She cared for toddlers in the nursery, taught Sunday school, organized women’s groups, cared for the homebound, provided respite for families, gave rides to those who couldn’t drive themselves, and brought meals to shut- ins and families welcoming new babies. Chris lived out her faith in tangible ways. She worked behind the scenes, never seeking recognition, but leaving an unmistakable mark of love and kindness everywhere she went.

 When Alzheimer’s took hold of her in 2021, Chris faced it with the same grace and optimism that has always defined her. Even as her cognizance faded, her warm smile and nurturing spirit never did. In the memory care facility where she spent her final year, she continued to comfort and encourage others, endearing herself to staff and residents alike.

Chris was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Sylvia and her brother Greg. 

She leaves behind her husband Bob, her children Curran & Bethany, daughter- and son-in-law Abby & Sherwood, six beloved grandchildren Ellie, Hudson, Jack, Pete, Noel, & Judah, and brother Frank. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, faith, and unwavering strength will live on in all our hearts.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church, 4675 Winder Hwy. Flowery Branch, GA, 30542. Inurnment will take place at Georgia National Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church at 10:00 a.m. directly preceding the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church. 

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Arrangements are in the care of Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501