S. Gertrude Tharp's Obituary
S. Gertrude Tharp “Gertie” , age 94, a native Delawarean and long time resident of Lewes, Delaware, passed away peacefully into Gods hands, (under Compassionate Care Hospice) at the Cadbury Rehabilitation Center in Lewes, on Saturday, May 14, 2011.
She was born March 20, 1917 to Harry and Matilda Davis of Little Creek, Delaware. She was raised on a farm there. There were four other siblings, Russell, Beatrice, Ruth and Margaret. Gertie, as she preferred to be called, began her education in1922 at a small octagonal school near her home by the name of "Cowgills Corner. From there she went on to complete her education at Dover High School. Shortly thereafter, on June 30, 1934, Gertie married Frank H. Tharp and on September 15, 1934 moved to Lewes, Delaware where she lived until her death.
In 1936 she joined the Lewes Presbyterian Church and quickly became a very active participant in the various organizations and government of the church. She was a dedicated choir member for fifteen years and a charter member of the Kelly Class becoming one of the oldest members of her church.
Gertie made numerous accomplishments throughout her long life. In 1953 she won the sixth annual National Chicken Cooking Contest. She developed a keen interest in the political arena serving as a Democratic Committee Woman for the 4`1737th district (1955- 81), Delaware State Vice-Chairperson (1970-78), organized the first Democratic Club of Lewes (1956), two four year terms as Sussex County Prothonotary, and ran as a candidate for State Treasurer (1974).
She was a dietary supervisor at Beebe Medical Center from 1955-1980 retiring after 25 years of service. She also joined the Beebe Auxiliary in 1955 where she provided many volunteer hours and served as their Parliamentarian for many years. Gertie joined the Lewes Zwaanendael Club (GSFWC) in 1950 where she participated in many offices, roles, and activities of the organization.
Gertie continued to operate the family business, Tharp's Storage Business after her husbands' death in 1998 until 2008. Her family is most proud of her dedication and commitment to serve her community, church, many organizations, and family.
Gertie was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Frank H Tharp (1998) and daughter Joan R. Hopkins (2006).
She is survived by her son, Alvin H. Tharp and wife 0llie of Milton, Delaware and daughter Nancy L. Brock and husband James of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. She is also survived by eight grandchildren ,James Tharp, Teresa Tharp Scott, Bruce Hopkins, Dale Hopkins, Jay Hopkins, Wendy Brock Rose, Stacey Brock Watkins, Holly Brock Laptew and twelve great grandchildren, Katie Scott, Krista Scott, Kaleb Scott, Kimberlyn Scott, Natalie Hopkins, Monica Hopkins, Abigale Hopkins, Amanda Hopkins, Bryce Hopkins, Brock Rose, Bethany Rose, Braxton Rose.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday May 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE where visitation will be one hour prior to services. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday evening from 7-9 PM at the funeral home.
Interment will be at Barretts Chapel Cemetery in Frederica, Delaware at 3:30 PM on Thusday May 19, 2011.
In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to: Beebe School of Nursing Scholarship Fund, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE. 19958 or the Lewes Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958
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