Mrs. Tharp was born April 5, 1932 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and grew up in Amarillo, Texas. She was the daughter of the late Verta Bernice Hook (Gaston) and Charles Thomas Hook. Mrs. Tharp passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019.
Marla Tharp was the heart of her family and over the years, she touched the lives of countless friends and family with her kindness, humor and hospitality. She was an avid reader and homemaker. She also enjoyed writing poetry and short stories. She was a devoted Christian and a talented musician. Dick and Marla moved to Lufkin in 2005 from the Houston area.
Mrs. Tharp is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Larry Greer of Lufkin and grandson, Ian Greer; daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Bill Calhoun of Nevada and granddaughter, Madisyn Calhoun; granddaughter, Meredith Brown of Ft. Worth and great-grandson, Brandon Brown; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Rick and Sarah Baty of Washington and great-granddaughter, Rowan Baty; and great-grandsons, William Baty, Edric Baty, Tiernan Baty and Fionn Baty.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Dick Tharp; sister, Charlene Freeman; and son, Ricky Tharp.
Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Greer, Ian Greer, Alan Hunt, Nathan Hunt, John Freeman, and Gordon Tharp.
Memorial contributions may be offered in Mrs. Tharp’s memory to Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, online at texaschildrens.org.
Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com
Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.