Jennifer Lyn Tally Tharp, 56, departed this life for her life in eternity at NMMC in Tupelo on Saturday, June 10, 2023 after a brief illness. Born in Tupelo on June 16, l966, Jennifer lived most of her life in the Mooreville area. The daughter of Bud and Lousie Tally, she and her family were and are legendary supporters of all things Mooreville Schools. She grew up in the East Main Church of Christ, graduated from Mooreville High School in l984 and received two undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Elementary Education from Mississippi State University. She married Charles Lee
“Chuck” Tharp, Jr. on August 11, 1990 and, to this union was born two children, Lee and Morgan. With an insatiable appetite to give of her best to her students, she returned to college and received a MA in Education from the University of Mississippi. Jennifer spent 26 years teaching elementary and junior high students at her alma mater, Mooreville High School. She was a beloved member of the Trooper staff and much celebrated and respected by her students and colleagues. A genteel lady actively engaged in life, Jennifer put God first, then her family and doted over her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting and quilting. She and Chuck traveled extensively and loved cruises. They had just returned from an Alaskan cruise just before her unexpected death. She loved watching tennis and was a big fan of NCAA Women’s and Men’s Basketball. A devoted member of West Main Church of Christ, she participated in all Church activities and especially enjoyed the Happy Hearts, a group of older ladies who met every Thursday and spent their day helping others. While all too brief, Jennifer made her life count and her legacy will be that of a great teacher, a super wife and mom and a special MeMama to her grands.
There will be no formal funeral service. The family will receive friends at the Family Activity Center on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 5 PM-8PM for a celebratory reception honoring the memory of Jennifer. Just as in life, Jennifer continued to give in death as an anatomical donor to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for Scientific Research. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be assisting their friends.
Jennifer is survived by her husband, Chuck; her children, Charles Lee Tharp, III and his wife, Mollie of Auburn, Ala.; his daughter, Morgan Lynn Tharp of Tupelo; three grandchildren, Holt, Francie and Bo.; three siblings, Amy Hunton (Benny) of Pensacola, Fla, Hilda Ratliff (Mike) of Eggville and Jeff Tally (Lisa) of Saltillo; several nieces, nephews and cousins and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Mavis; her father in law, Minister Charles Tharp and her grandparents.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to West Main St. Church of Christ Happy Hearts Ministry, , Tupelo, MS. 38801
Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net
