Dottie Tharpe

Dorothy "Dottie" Barham Tharpe, 81, formerly of Statesville, passed away Wednesday, December 03, 2014 at Abernethy Laurels of Newton, NC. She was born in Sanford, NC on September 1, 1933 to the late Rev. Joseph T. and Julia McIver Barham. Dottie was a graduate of Harmony High School and Mitchell College with a degree in Music and Voice. On October, 13, 1951, she married Augustus Webb Tharpe who preceded her in death on December 13, 2004. They had over 53 years of marriage before his passing. She was a devoted wife and mother, a leader of The Women's Presbytery and a long-time active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Newton, NC, where she served faithfully for many years. Upon returning to Statesville, she became a member of Forest Park Presbyterian Church, where she was a member of the choir and served as a Circle Leader. She also served on the Board of the Iredell Concert Association. In 2010 she moved her membership to Bethany Presbyterian Church where she remained active in the Choir for several years until her failing health prevented her continued attendance. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy B. Rimmer and a brother, Jackson T. Barham. Left to cherish her memory are two sons, Joe Tharpe (Kathy) of Conover and John Tharpe (Teresa) of Conover; two granddaughters, Kristin Lingle (Kevin) of Danville, VA and Allison Tharpe of Mooresville; one grandson, Jonathan Tharpe (Katie) of Newton; and one great grandson, Jack Christian Lingle of Danville, VA. She is further survived by two sisters, Jane B. Patrick of Florida and Margaret B. Chandler "Peggy" (Joe) of Conover. Funeral services will be conducted 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2014 at Bethany Presbyterian Church, Statesville, NC with Rev. Frank Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Saturday evening 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Nicholson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethany Presbyterian Church, 114 Bethany Rd., Statesville, NC 28625 or to Taylorsville House, 350 School Rd., Taylorsville, NC 28681. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.