Local Obituaries for Tharp Funeral Home
Ellen Gail Hall Rice
Dec 9, 2025
Ellen Gail Hall Rice, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, at home—surrounded by her loved ones—after a courageous battle with cancer. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended and she is now reunited with her loved ones who passed before her.
Ellen was born June...
Dylan Thomas Allen
Dec 8, 2025
Dylan Thomas Allen passed away on December 8, 2025. Dylan was born in Roanoke, VA in 1996, the son of Robert (Bob) and Christine (Chris) Allen. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn/Kate (Carrara) Allen of Winter Park, FL, his brother Walker of Fishersville, VA his sister Casey Mae of Forest, VA and was also cherished by the Carrara family,...
Silas Harvey Jr.
Dec 8, 2025
Silas Harvey, Jr., of Ellicott City, Maryland, answered his Savior’s call and entered eternal rest on December 8, 2025, at his residence. He was born on April 17, 1958, in Monroe, Virginia, to the late Silas Harvey, Sr., and Virginia Harvey.
He was preceded in death by his father, Silas Harvey, Sr.; his maternal grandparents, Flora and Sidney Johnson; and his...
Kathleen O'Doherty Brooker
Dec 7, 2025
Kathleen Lois Brooker (née O’Doherty) passed away on December 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born April 19, 1963, in Concord, Massachusetts, Kathy grew up in a lively household as the seventh of nine children, including her twin sister, Barbara. Those early years—surrounded by the noise, warmth, and support of a big family—helped shape the devotion to family she carried...
C. David Thomas
Dec 6, 2025
Heaven gained another angel on Saturday. C. David Thomas, 79, of Bedford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Lynchburg General Hospital on December 6, 2025, after a brief, unexpected illness. He was born in Roanoke on September 3, 1946, to the late John Maynard Thomas, Sr. and Eileen Holcomb Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded...
Linda Mars Stark
Dec 5, 2025
Linda Mars Stark, 75, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on December 5, 2025. She was born on May 4, 1950, in Amsterdam, New York, to the late Bernardous Mars and Rebecca Zoethout Mars.
Linda dedicated many years of her professional life to the insurance industry in Amsterdam and Johnstown, NY. She later worked at A Fine Romance Bridal Store.
She is survived...
Jack Michael Jones
Dec 5, 2025
Jack Michael Jones, 95, passed away on December 5, 2025. He was the son of the late Eugene Gilliam Jones and Dera McCann Jones.
Jack was born on October 13, 1930, in Bluefield, WV. He attended school at Pocahontas High School, then pursued his education at Concord University on the GI Bill, earning a BS in Business, and later obtained his...
Leonard Wayne Banks, Sr.
Dec 4, 2025
Leonard Wayne Banks Sr., known as "Wayne," of Roanoke, VA, was called home to be with his heavenly Father on Thursday, December 4, 2025. He passed away at Lynchburg Health and Rehab following a short illness.
Born on February 28, 1960, in Lynchburg, VA, he was the son of the late Mr. Carrington Banks Sr. and Mrs. Francis Pearl Turner Banks...
Russell Walter Pawlas
Dec 2, 2025
Russell Walter Pawlas, 55, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away from natural causes on December 2nd, 2025. He was the son of Robert and Rosemary Pawlas, of Bedford, Virginia.
Russell was born on October 26, 1970, at Fort Ord, in Monterey, California. He attended school at James Madison University, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Music. He then acquired his Master’s in...
Rachel Joyce Dowdy Hamlett
Dec 2, 2025
Rachel Joyce Dowdy Hamlett, 87, of Forest, Virginia, entered into her Savior’s arms on December 2, 2025. She passed peacefully at her home with the family she treasured so dearly by her side.Rachel was born in Nathalie, VA, on September 26, 1938, to the late Joseph Preston Dowdy Sr. and Edith Cage Dowdy. Rachel is survived by her daughter, Donna...
Elizabeth (Betty) Umberger Mabe
Dec 2, 2025
We honor this beautiful person, Elizabeth (Betty) Umberger Mabe, whose life was an example of acceptance, resilience, generosity, and love. She believed in the words of scripture, "love one another" and song, "red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight.." She lived this philosophy.
Betty was proud of her children: Susie (Bobby), Jenni (Doug) and Tom, Jr....
Edgar Grayson Collins
Nov 30, 2025
Edgar Grayson Collins, 87, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025. He was the son of the late Grayson C. Collins and Elosie Thackston Collins.
He was born on May 3, 1938, in Manassas, Virginia. He received his early education in Newburn, North Carolina, and Drakes Branch, Virginia, before pursuing and earning a degree in Pharmacy from George...
Dr. Audley Roy Charlton
Nov 29, 2025
Although it is impossible to fully capture Dr. Audley Charlton’s loving spirit, his joy-filled laughter, and his unwavering devotion to Christ in mere words, we honor and celebrate a life that reflected the heart of God in every way.
Dr. Audley Charlton (affectionately known as Pastor Charlton), pastor and professor for over forty years, was born on September 14, 1941, in...
Bonnie Simmons Knight
Nov 28, 2025
Bonnie Simmons Knight, 75, formerly of Madison, died on Friday, November 28, 2025.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Ellisboro Baptist Church Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, Virginia. The family will greet...
Glenda Overstreet Crawford
Nov 28, 2025
Glenda Overstreet Crawford, 75, of Bedford, passed away Friday, November 28, 2025. Glenda was born November 2, 1950, in Bedford County, Virginia, a daughter of the late James Harrison Overstreet and Nellie Virginia Orange Overstreet.
Glenda is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Eddie Crawford; son, Kevin Crawford; grandson, Christopher Crawford; siblings, Carolyn Biggs (Johnny), Ronnie Overstreet, Donnie Overstreet,...
Richard Potekhen
Nov 27, 2025
Richard Paul Potekhen (“Dick”), born August 7, 1945 in Clayton, Georgia, passed away at his home in Lynchburg, Virginia on November 27, 2025.
Dick was a graduate of Riverside Military Academy and the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He later completed coursework for a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the...
Virginia Thompson
Nov 26, 2025
With deep love and great sorrow, the family of Virginia Thompson, 88, of Evington, VA, announces her peaceful passing on November 26, 2025, in her home, surrounded by those who adored her. She was the daughter of the late Dabney and Lula Morris.
Born on September 3, 1937, in South Hill, VA, Virginia lived a life marked by strength, devotion, and...
William T. Powell
Nov 26, 2025
William Townsend Powell of Lynchburg, Virginia, lived a full and faithful life. After 94 years, he passed into eternity on November 26.
Born on September 5, 1931, to Cecil Carlile and Ina Frances Taylor Powell, Bill grew up in Cape Charles on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. He was an Army veteran who served during the Korean War. Bill received his undergraduate and...
Brenda Carolyn Coleman Wiles
Nov 26, 2025
Brenda passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, after a very long and courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 79.
She was surrounded by her loved ones at her home where she wanted to be.
Born on August 20, 1946, she was the daughter of Robert and Dessie Coleman.
The youngest of nine children, she grew up in the country, traveled...
Chastaneyka Willcox
Nov 26, 2025
Chastaneyka Willcox, 51, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away in the morning hours on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. After an extended illness, Chastaneyka passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family. She was born September 4, 1974, in Charleston, South Carolina, and raised by parents, Gerasimo “Zeke” and Marrianne “Vy” Zanatos. Chastaneyka was a devoted mother, wife, sibling, friend, and healer who...
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