By Chianti Marks AFRO Intern Bishop Violet L. Fisher, a trailblazing former bishop in the United Methodist Church who served as an inspiration to many generations of pastors and civilians, died Nov. 17 at the age of 86. In 2000, Fisher was elected to the episcopacy, becoming the first African American woman appointed as bishop to the denomination’s Northeastern Jurisdiction, which included the Western and Central New York conferences. She retired in 2008. “Bishop Violet Fisher was a pioneer whose ministry broke barriers and built bridges. Her unwavering faith, prophetic voice, and deep compassion left an indelible mark on our church and on all who were blessed to walk alongside her. We give thanks for her life and legacy,” said Council of Bishops President Bishop Tracy S. Malone, the first African-American woman to hold that position in The United Methodist Church, in a statement. Fisher was born Aug. 28, 1939, in Easton, Md. She was raised in a Methodist background and began her career in education. She taught for 22 years in Maryland and Virginia public schools, after obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Bowie State University and a master’s from George Washington University. Her call to ministry came at the age of 16, at a time when women had little access to ordained ministry, particularly in the Delaware Conference of the Central Jurisdiction. Fisher was a national evangelist and a temporary missionary to East Africa, Haiti and Jamaica after being ordained by the King’s Apostle Holiness Church of God at the age of 25. In 1988, Bishop Fisher returned to the United Methodist Church and graduated with a master’s of divinity from Eastern Baptist Seminary in Philadelphia. Bishop F. Herbert Skeete designated her as a deacon that same year, and Bishop Susan M. Morrison named her an elder in 1990. Fisher’s pastoral assignments included: associate pastor at St. Daniel’s United Methodist Church in Chester, Pa.; senior pastor at Sayer’s Memorial United Methodist Church in Philadelphia; and district superintendent of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, where she also served as dean of the cabinet (1998-1999). In addition to representing the church at the World Methodist Council in Rio de Janeiro in 1996, she led her delegation to the General and Northeastern Jurisdictional Conferences in 1996 and 2000. She supported the work of the General Board of Church and Society, the General Board of Discipleship and Older Adult Ministries while serving as dean of the NEJ School of Evangelism from 1998 to 1999. From 1997 onward, she became a member of the Eastern Baptist Seminary Board of Directors. “When Bishop Fisher was elected, she did not just make history-she made space. Space for women, for Black clergy, and for all those who had been told they did not belong. Her courage and grace continue to inspire us to lead with boldness and humility,” said NEJ College of Bishops President Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling, the first Black woman to hold the position of president of the NEJ College of Bishops and resident bishop of the Baltimore-Washington/Peninsula-Delaware Episcopal Area, also praised Bishop Fisher’s legacy. “Bishop Violet Fisher opened doors that many of us now walk through,” Easterling said. “Her election was not only a personal triumph but a communal victory for justice, equity, and the full inclusion of women of color in the life of the church. I stand on her shoulders with deep gratitude.” Bishop Fisher is survived by her son, Marcus. Homegoing services for Bishop Fisher will include a viewing from 6-8 p. m. on Dec. 12; and a final viewing and funeral beginning at 10 a. m. and 11 a. m., respectively, on Dec. 13. Both the viewing and funeral service will be hosted by St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, located at 100 Peachblossom Road, Easton, Md.
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Pioneering UMC Bishop Violet L. Fisher leaves a lasting legacy at 86
