Grace Jones Bishop - Rustand

Grace Jones Bishop-Rustand, 90, of Chestertown, MD, departed this life on January 2, 2021, having faith that she now looks upon the face of her savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, according to the promise in 2 Corinthians 5:8. Born March 9, 1930, on a farm in Alamance County, NC, she was the daughter of the late J. Luther and Esther Lee Jones and one of a family of seven children. Graduating from Altamahaw-Ossipee High School in 1948, while attending, she, along with her sister Betsy and brother Leo, known as Leo and Prairie Sweethearts, sang Western, Country, and Gospel over the radio stations WBBB and WFNS out of Burlington, NC. She attended Burlington Business College, Strayer College,, and the Patricia Stevens School of Modeling. She was employed in the purchasing department of I.C. Isaacs & Company in Baltimore for which she also modeled clothing. She later worked as an executive secretary in the Insurance Stock Division of Alex. Brown & Sons, Baltimore. After moving to Chestertown in 1973, she held various part-time jobs with the Chamber of Commerce, the United Fund, and H&R Block. Having an interest in theological studies, Grace established the Historic Christianity Free Lending Library from her home and hosted numerous bible studies. In 1955, she married well-known Baltimore musician Charles Christian “Charlie” Bishop. They were married for 38 years. After his death in 1994, she married Ellis “Rusty” Rustand with whom she enjoyed 21 joyful years of marriage. Even past ninety, she was an avid reader, well-informed about current affairs, a capable internet user, and most importantly a caring and compassionate person who cared for those around her. Never lacking for warmth and joy for everyone around her, she will be missed. She is survived by her daughter Bettina Bishop Harris; a grandson, Jared Christian Harris; stepchildren Linda Dutton, Lauri Rustand, and Mark Rustand; her sister, Betsy Stubblefield of Burlington, NC; and her brother, Charles Jones of McLeansville, NC. She was predeceased by her sister Thelma; her brothers, Vernon Jones, Leo Jones; and her dear little brother, Gary Jones, who was taken from her family too soon at four years of age and with whom Grace is happy to now finally be reunited. She is a member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Elkton, MD. A funeral service will be live-streamed and held on Friday, January 8, 2021, at 1:00 pm at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD. Interment will be in Christ I.U. Cemetery, following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to America's Food Fund at americasfoodfund.org.

Grace Jones Bishop - Rustand

March 9, 1930 - January 2, 2021