The Life of Winona Maddex by niece, Phyllis, Taylor

The journey in this life for Winona Olijean began March 16, 1928 in Clarendon, Arkansas. She was one of seven children in the family of John W. Bishop and Birdie Ethel Dodson Bishop. At age 16, Winona's father passed away, leaving the family to manage with limited income. Her spirit remained strong and with determination excelled in all aspects of school.

During the years at Clarendon High School, Winona was directed by the principal to tutor the football team. From this experience, she was inspired to become a teacher, specializing in high school academics. In those days, it was difficult for a young lady to achieve more than a high school diploma and college grants were not available.

This did not deter Winona and soon financial assistance came through the friendship of a neighbor, Mr. Torrey. He signed for a loan at the Clarendon Bank, and she enrolled in the Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway. As a little girl, I remember seeing Bob Beard drive up to her home on Harris Street. They loaded her clothes, and books in his pickup and off they went to the college campus. Being so young, I wondered if I would see her again; but after the semester, she came home.

Winona only attended one semester at a time. As the caregiver of her sister, Bessie, she often skipped a semester to assure she received proper care.  With dedication to pay back the bank loan, she worked teaching high school during the second semesters. The schools she taught included Tucson, Arizona and Dirkes, Stuttgart and Keiser, all in Arkansas.

At age 33, Winona met and married Charles Lewis Maddex of Missouri. Their small wedding took place in the First Baptist Church in Clarendon, where she had been a member for many years. They moved to Winfield, Missouri, where she was a high school teacher for decades. She was a great instructor in senior English and gained a wonderful reputation of having her students master the language and pass their college classes.

In the early half century mark of her life, they returned to Monroe County and she taught more than a decade at Brinkley High School. During those years, Leon Randolph, (principle) and Dewey Snowden (superintendent) came to heavily rely on her skill and dedicated service. When Glenn King replaced Mr. Randolph, he asked for help with the  end of the year state report. He was immediately referred to Winona and her expertise. Until her retirement, she willingly and without hesitation helped in any way she was asked.

As Winona's niece growing up, I learned that she and older sister, Irma were valedictorians of their graduating class and both became teachers. Winona was a remarkable teacher and never gave up on any student, no matter the problem. She inspired them to do their best and expected no less. Observing their examples and seeing their love for the students, I chose to become a  English teacher as well.

Over my career, I received wonderful advice from my aunt regarding difficult questions, regarding students and other professional. I learned the place and power a teacher has within the classroom and community. When misunderstanding came with supervisors or parents, she always directed me on a wise path. Through her mentoring, I was blessed in seeing my students excel in passing their college classes.

Once Winona retired, she returned to worship at her  home church in Clarendon and received wonderful support and fellowship among the church family. She continued to live on the property owned by her parents. Winona became well known for her love and compassion for animals without a home. She worked tirelessly with various animal shelters in securing help for a vast amount of animals. The wonderful individuals and community services who helped are too numerous to mention by name.

At age 92, "Mrs. Maddex" was called to her Heavenly home on February 23, 2021. Although she had no children of her own, she leaves a host of nieces and nephews who will remember her life and accomplishments.

Chuck (Charles) Bishop of Little Rock, Arkansas, Kay Bishop, Brenda Bishop, Richard Bishop (Judy) of Jasper, Texas, Lewis Bishop of Gilmer, Texas, Larry Bishop of Plano, Texas, Phyllis Bishop Taylor of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Doris Faye Patton of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Cecily Bishop of Delta, Colorado, Dan Burke of Belmont, California, Charles Heppermann of Florissant, Missouri. She also leaves many great nieces and nephews, extended family, church family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her: parents, husband, and six siblings; John, Charlie, Leroy and Lewis Bishop, Irma Mailander and Bessie Bryant.

Graveside services will be at 2;00P.M., Thursday at Shady Grove Cemetery in Clarendon.