"I Have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."-2 Timothy 4:7

Annie Lee Bishop Straughter was born on April 13, 1945, in Henderson, Texas, to the late Kelly and Dorothy Bishop. She was the eldest of seven children and was raised in a loving family environment that helped shape her strong faith, compassion, and dedication to serving others.

Annie attended A.R. Turner School in Willis, Texas, graduating in 1963. She later furthered her education at the Texas School of Business, where she earned her certification as a Medical Assistant.

Annie met and married the love of her life, Effray Straughter, Sr., on June 26, 1965. Their union was blessed with six wonderful children, whom she loved dearly and nurtured with unwavering devotion.

A woman of deep faith, Annie gave her life to Christ at an early age and faithfully served the Lord throughout her life. She was a devoted member of Toliver Memorial Church of God in Christ for many years, where she served as Choir Director, Choir President, and Drill Team Director under the leadership of the late Superintendent L. V. Whitaker. Later, she united with Kingdom Harvest Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. James L. Bishop, Jr., where she remained a faithful and dedicated member until the Lord called her home.

Annie had a heart for people. She loved everyone she met and treated each person with kindness, dignity, and respect. Her selfless spirit, warm smile, and generous love touched countless lives and created lasting memories for family, friends, and all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kelly and Dorothy Bishop; her brothers, James Bishop, Artis Bishop, J.B. Bishop, and Oscar Bishop; her sisters, Willie Mae Bishop and Annie Ruth Bishop; and her grandparents, Kelly & Callie Bishop, and George & Rowena Brown.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children: Effray (Altonia) Straughter, Patricia Brown, Lisa (Cleophus) Toliver, Sewanda Straughter, Derrick (Lakeisha) Straughter, Latasha (Kendrea) Nelson, Lovie Carter, Eartha Phillips and Marion Tyler.

She is also survived by her beloved brothers: Rayford (Vivian) Bishop, Claude (Wilma) Bishop, and Charles (Pam) Bishop; and her sister, Annette Surgers. Sisters-in-Law: Eveline Bishop, Lillian Bishop, Esther Johnson, Betty Straughter & Shirley Green.

Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Virginia (Mikel) Lee, LaDarion Straughter, LaKirk (Jasmyne) Straughter, JaLisa Lovelady, BreKel Bishop, William Brown, Briana (David) Nealey, Whitney Brown, Whitley Brown, Cle Toliver, Bryant Williams, Marquis Miles, Kaliey Owens, Brent Larry, JaQuori Franklin, Nicholas Straughter, Briance Lang, Keyontae Robinson, Kayliah Straughter, Abriyah Nelson, Kyndle Traylor, Kendrix Traylor, Destiny Hightower, Maurice Hightower, Derrick Straughter, Jr., Candice Holmes, and Corbin Straughter; along with 24 great-grandchildren.

She also leaves her beloved godsons, Dr. James L. Bishop, Jr. and Kendrick Bishop; bonus daughters, Marie (John) Moore and Tonya Wiley; bonus son, Gary McIntosh; and special friends, Wilma Bishop and Preddy Richardson; special niece, DaWanna Wilkins and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."