Helen Self Bishop

On May 31, 2025, Helen Self Bishop departed this world and was welcomed home in the arms of the Lord.

Helen was born on March 20, 1946, to parents Richard and Pauline Phelps in Caldwell, Texas. As a child, she enjoyed attending church with her family and getting to play the piano any opportunity she got. She attended Caldwell schools all throughout elementary, intermediate, and high school. After high school, Helen moved to Dallas, Texas where she began attending college and thoroughly enjoyed taking courses in child psychology. Helen also worked at the Dallas Times Herald and Westinghouse in College Station, Texas for approximately 15 years—she gained many life-long friends whom she cherished.

Helen had a love for many things such as reading (specifically mystery novels and authors like Dean Koontz), all kinds of poetry, and her favorite book, The Bible. But what she loved the most was her family. She always boasted that she had the best brothers in the whole wide world. She would often talk to her siblings, and she knew the details of the lives of all her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She would tell each one, “you know you’re my favorite”. Her sense of humor never left her, even in her last days.

She was a very strong woman and endured many struggles throughout her life with grace and resiliency. Her kind and selfless deeds were known by many. She showed kindness to all, even strangers, regardless of their station in life. She made it a point to teach her children that we are all the same in God’s eyes—rich or poor, black or white, famous or homeless.

At any given time, you could find Helen curled up with a warm blanket and a crisp cold Dr Pepper watching any sport that was on. She was an enthusiastic sports fan, enjoying college and professional sports. She would watch everything from football, baseball, basketball, golf, and even became a big fan of Texas A&M and the Dallas Stars.

Helen is survived by her children Angela Self, Regina Self (John), Byron Self (Sandy), Ralph Bishop III (Ruby), and bonus daughter, Dawn Davidson. Siblings Geraldine Grant (Jimmy), Beverly Hill (Jimmy), Delvin Phelps (LeAnne), and Dennis Phelps (Chris). Grandchildren Shannon Bishop, Ralph Bishop IV, Ryan Bishop (Kylie), Whitney Maskal, Amelia DelaRosa (Robert), Maegan Buss, Preston Bishop, and Stephanie Self. Three great-grandchildren that she cherished deeply—Waylon Hawes, Ryley Bishop, and Jacob Bishop. She also leaves behind multiple nieces and nephews whom she loved and adored.

Helen is reunited in heaven with parents Richard and Pauline Phelps, siblings Richard Phelps, Douglas Phelps, Joan Ruggiero, and those that had the privilege of being by her side throughout life—Drexel Self, Ralph Bishop, and Jack Parks.

Anyone that knew Helen, knew she was such a beautiful person inside and out. She would brighten up any room she walked into, and she truly had a heart of gold. She will be deeply missed by so many, and her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you perform an act of kindness to brighten someone’s day, even a stranger. Because that’s what Helen would do.