Betty Marie Tharp

Betty Marie Tharp, 87, formerly of Mt. Carmel, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 20 in Phoenix, Arizona.  Betty was born in Lukin Township, Illinois, on June 4, 1934 to Omer and Grace (Holsen) Cunningham and served as the wife and partner in ministry to the late Rev. Donald Monroe Tharp, formerly of Mt. Carmel, Illinois.

Through the years, Betty served at many churches along with her husband. Her love for Jesus Christ shined through her compassionate heart, generosity, hospitality, service to others, through every aspect of her life, and her constant smile.

Along with her love of being a wife and mother, Betty also enjoyed working in healthcare for over 60 years.  After high school, Betty attended Vincennes University and became a registered nurse.  Over the years, she worked at numerous locations including Vincennes Good Samaritan Hospital, formerly Monticello Nursing Home and General Baptist Nursing Home (Oakview), and Gibson General Hospital.

Betty was deeply loved by her friends and family.  She is survived by her children, Daniel (Connie) Tharp of Mesa, AZ, Robin Tharp of Phoenix, AZ, Donald (Cindy) Tharp of Victoria, TX, Marie (John) Gronley of Mesa, AZ, and Stephen (Lori) Tharp of Nashville, TN; her 8 grandchildren, Stacy Abel, Peter Judge, Missy Ulm, Amber Rankin, Desira Adams, Carli Tharp, Kyler Tharp, and Connor Tharp; 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister, Esther Brumley of Lawrenceville, IL.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Rev. Donald Tharp, her parents, Omer and Grace Cunningham, her brother, Donald Cunningham, and grandson Daniel “Danny” Tharp.

A celebration of life service will be planned for a future date.

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