Lena Whitt Bish, of Sunnyside Presbyterian Home, died on Thursday, May 30, 2024. She was born on June 22, 1922, in Virgilina, VA to Jack Buntin and Lillian Spencer Whitt. She was a retired teacher/counselor with two degrees from James Madison University and one from the University of Virginia. Lena was the Virginia Middle School Counselor of the Year in 1987.

Early in her teaching career, she visited the capitals of the 48 states which enhanced her teaching of U.S. History and Government. Trips to Hawaii and Alaska were taken after retirement. She felt fortunate to have had trips to Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe including the Scandinavian countries and Russia.

Following retirement, she was involved in mission trips to teach English in China, Poland, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Hungary, and Romania.

Church was always an important part of her life. She taught Sunday Bible classes for over 50 years and held many other positions of leadership. Specialty tours of Israel and The Footsteps of Paul were rewarding and helpful in her church work.

On August 20, 1949, she married Samuel E. Bish, who died March 12, 1986. She is survived by her children: Charles (Emily) Bish of Great Falls, Sharon (Frank) Leech of Charlottesville, and Lisa (Mark) Harant of Mechanicsville, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Sunnyside Meredith Chapel in Harrisonburg, VA., on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11 a.m. At her request, her body was donated and accepted by the Virginia State Anatomical Program.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Lena Bish to the American Association of University Women (AAUW.org) located at 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005.