This is a Tribute to the lovely, lovely and long life of OUR Beloved, Nita Irene (McGraw) Tharp who departed her Earthly Existence to go “Home” to meet her Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ, on the Wednesday morning of 26th May 2021 at the blessed age of 90 years. While leaving “this” Life behind, Irene was surrounded by a loving and caring “Circle” of family in Newton, AL, where she had resided in her latter years. This very “Passing” in a “Circle” of her beloveds that morning, seemed symbolic to her family, representing Irene having always been a true nucleus of her dear family.Leaving behind to cherish her beloved memory, are her 3 very devoted children and their likewise devoted spouses; Charlotte Mae (Tharp) & Stanley Carter; Newton, AL., Sharron Evon (Tharp) & Butch Grafton; Newton, AL., Charles Patrick “Rick” & Dianne (Northam) Tharp, II; Jackson Hole, WY., 9 Grandchildren; Jennifer Lynn (Ashford) & Kirby Tharpe; Ozark, AL., Charles Patrick Tharp, III; Hollywood, CA., William Joseph & Michelle (Nelson) Grafton; Jacksonville, FL., Kathryn Gayle (Ashford) & Damon Sillings; Dothan, AL., John Derek Ashford; Ozark, AL., Cameron Pershing & Kristi (Rockwell) Tharp; Miramar Beach, FL., Cambridge Perrier Tharp; Santa Barbara, CA., Chadwiike Pierrot Tharp; Mobile, AL., Dubonnet Northam (Tharp) & Greg Moseley; Maui, HI. 8 Great-grandchildren; Alexandra (Grafton) Vogel; Jacksonville, FL., Brooklyn Faith (Grafton) Gouge; Dothan, AL., Mason Heath Tharpe; Ozark, AL., Hayden Nicole Sillings; Destin, FL., Jordan Alyssa Tharpe; Ozark, AL., Garrett Wayne Sillings; Denver, CO., Daniel Whittle Tharpe; Ozark, AL., Sedona-Kai Arabelle Moseley; Maui, HI. It was also a great heartache to Irene that 2 of her treasured Grandsons had preceded her in death. They were; John Derek Ashford and Chadwiike Peirrot Tharp.Irene was born in Evergreen, AL to John Monroe & Nita (Ridlehoover) McGraw. Irene was the 10th child from a busy “little” family of 13 children !! Her 12 Siblings who were all born in Evergreen. Al. are; Bessie (McGraw) Spence, Vernon McGraw, Myrtice (McGraw) Rowland, Paul McGraw, Aimee (McGraw) Higdon, Naomi McGraw, Rachel (McGraw) McCrory, Bernardine (McGraw) Williams, Johnie McGraw, Sadie (McGraw) Presley, Robert McGraw and Joel McGraw.The 7 Pallbearers escorting Irene’s casket will be her Grandsons and her Great-grandsons, while her Granddaughters and her Great-granddaughters will be Honorary Pallbearers and will be trailing behind Irene’s casket. The 2 Officiants are Nephews: Harold Presley, Jr.; London, England and Marc Williams; Evergreen, AL. Vocals and Meaningful Music will be provided by other nephews and niece: Marc Williams; Evergreen, AL., Steven McGraw; Harvest, AL. and Lynn (Presley) deVries; Gainesville, GA and the Victorious Violin music will be performed by Great-niece, Katy Herndon; Mobile, AL.Irene was likewise preceded in death by her husband, Charles Patrick “Pat” Tharp, Sr., also born in Evergreen, AL. Pat and Irene met and dated while they were students at Evergreen High School and married a few years later. They moved to Mobile, AL in approximately 1949-50. Pat and Irene were married for 43 years before Pat passed-away. Pat retired after many years as an city employee at Mobile Water Works. Irene, herself retired after over 40 years at Courtauld’s Textiles, N.A. in Saraland, AL. She landed this job approximately in 1953, soon after they moved to Mobile, as newly marrieds. This job with the newly-based North American, British company happened to turn into her life-long career until her retirement. She shared that, although her job in the Quality Control Lab was demandingly crucial, the group of “Girls” in the laboratory was a fun group to work among. She often spoke so fondly of them and most of these “Gals” remained life-long, collective friends - well-past retirement. After moving from her 60-plus years of city life in Mobile, Irene took-up residence in Newton in her new home among family where she became a vital part in her new idyllic country surroundings. She was devotedly cared-for in her new home, making many, many new friends there and fitting into a peaceful life of retirement - earning her a fun, new nickname of “Queen Rene”. With the arrival of Pat’s & Irene’s Grandchildren, Irene had became affectionately known as “Mommle Rene” and “Ma Ma Rene” and Pat was known as “Popple Pat” and “Pa Pa Pat”. They delighted in this new role in their lives. Irene was a grand Southern lady, full of hospitality - which had been a cornerstone of her entire adult life. Needless to say, she was exceedingly devoted to her family and friends. Her long membership in Dauphin Way Baptist Church in Mobile and her friends there were also a delight to her.It’s always been recognized, that Irene’s hospitality extended far-beyond her immediate family. There was always an “extra” place available at the family table for a “hungry” friend or family member. Her children’s friends were as equally welcomed in her home, as if they were her own. She had a stylish flare for clothes, jewelry, accessories and make-up. Saying she enjoyed “dressing to the hilt” would be a perfect phrase to fit this delightful Southern lady. But, as beautiful as Irene was on the outside, she was “more” than equally beautiful on the inside. She truly radiated an inner glow that encompassed all of those around her. She had a real love for her kitchen and for her yard, as well. She expressed her culinary talents well-past the traditional meal preparation, and developed quite a knack for creating delight delectables. It was always amazing to family and friends, that Irene, a tiny little lady who was a severe diabetic could create such an array of these sugary sweet concoctions and not be “too” tempted by munching on them. Her hard work in her yard was likewise evidenced by lush green grass and a continual assortment of flowers. There were always many colourful blooms appearing there seasonally. Since her favourite colour happened to be “green”, as well - it seemed quite appropriate that she had a mighty “green thumb”.Many who have reflected on Irene, commented on her fun-loving personality. She was true joy and a delight to be around. She had a spontaneous, quick wit and an amazing sense of humour for remembering and telling jokes. Dancing and music were a cute and memorable part of Irene’s “most youthful” personality. This was a delight and enjoyment to her Children and to her Grands and Great-grands, as well. In fact, only 10-12 short weeks ago, she delighted in dancing and music at a family wedding. This joy has been passed-down through 3 full generations now. Irene was a graceful tower of strength in so many ways - this was greatly evidenced in her long battle with diabetes and surviving strongly in spite of a history of falls, resulting in many broken, brittle bones common with a diabetic.In closing, Irene will be “missed beyond measure”. But to say she will be “missed” - will no where near portray the great loss of this great lady to this great family. She “kept the faith”; 🔴Read: II Timothy 4:7-8 / King James Bible. 7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 🔴Read: PSALM 48:14 / King James Bible. 14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. 🔴now Read: Proverbs 32:10-31 / King James Bible.
1930-2021
