Jean Elizabeth Karl Tharp

Mrs. Jean Elizabeth Karl Tharp died at Whitestone, A Masonic & Eastern Star Community in Greensboro on Friday, December 9, 2016. She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of the late George Frederick and Margaret Cecile Karl. She was the wife of Bryce Whitney Tharp, deceased. The couple moved to Greenville, NC in 1965, with their two daughters. She lived a full life and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and White Shrine, where she served as Worthy Matron, Grand Representative of New York in North Carolina, Worthy High Priestess, Supreme Instructor, District Deputy, International Grand Representative, and other official capacities. She was awarded a Lifetime Membership for her service as Secretary of Greenville Chapter 149 Order of the Eastern Star from 1980-2008.

Mrs. Tharp enjoyed ballroom dancing and square dancing, as well as traveling with her husband. Together they traveled extensively in the United States and abroad. She was a gifted artist and developed a love for painting. Her artwork hangs in private collections from coast to coast in the continental United States. She was a loving, optimistic, and creative person, who was dedicated to her husband, children, family and organizations. She was a remarkable woman, who has left behind many admirers who adored her. In Greenville, she was a member of St. James United Methodist Church, before she moved to Greensboro in 2008.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Bryce Whitney Tharp, and daughter, Sandra Tharp Shanley, formerly of Greenville, NC. She is survived by her daughter Pamela Tharp Iseley and husband, Pan, of Greensboro; grandchildren, Carolyn Shanley Day and husband, Adam of Wake Forest, NC, Michelle Stockert Deane and husband, Rob of Greensboro, Brian Stockert of Greensboro; great grandchildren, Jinifer, Alyssa and Faith Deane of Greensboro, Justin Deane of Raleigh and Madison and Zachary Day of Wake Forest, NC; sister, Joan Baxter of Xenia, Oh; cousin Mary Schuldt of Tennessee; nieces, Sharon and Linda Baxter of OH and nephews, Jim Stone of Minnesota and Mark Baxter and wife, Teresa of Ohio. As she loved and was much loved, she will be greatly missed by many.

The funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, December 15, at 1:30 p.m. at the Whitestone Chapel, 700 S. Holden Road in Greensboro, officiated by Pete A. Overcash, Chaplain. The family will receive friends before the service from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Chapel. Final arrangements will be done by Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel. Burial will take place later at Pinewood Memorial Park in Greenville, NC, with the assistance of S.G. Wilkerson and Sons Funeral Home.

Memorials can be sent to Whitestone, a Masonic and Eastern Star Community, 700 S. Holden Road, Greensboro, NC 27407 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the help they received from both of these organizations.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.