Laverne Tharp

LaVerne Tharp, 83, of Bryan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Tuesday morning, May 14, 2019. Lillie LaVerne Shafer Tharp was born on April 14, 1936, in Tucumcari, New Mexico and raised in San Jon, New Mexico.  She was a graduated the only girl in her class at Porter High School.  Since she was the only girl, she was forced to take shop class, where she made two cedar chests compared to the boys only one.  She worked for the Bryan ISD as a school librarian for many years.

LaVerne was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, known as “Nanny” not just to her family but anyone she came to know.  She loved her family with a love like no other.  She was like a mother to many of the family friends.  She often showed her love to those around by spending her time in the kitchen making everyone’s favorite dishes and desserts.  Her holiday meals were always extravagant with an abundance of food.  Her home was one that was always open to all, and it was often filled with laughter.  Raising four boys gave her a quick humorous wit.  She also had a love for spending time with her family over a game of dominoes or cards.  She was quick to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed it, even if it meant taking in kids that weren’t her own but raising them as if they were.  Her giving, motherly spirit was known to all.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Wesley Shafter and Ina LaVerene Shafer; her husband, William “Bill” Tharp, Sr.; her sons, William “Bill” Tharp, Jr., William Vernon Wilkerson, and Randle Wayne Wilkerson.

She is survived by her Son, Art Wilkerson and wife Jennifer; daughters-in-law, Lisa Wilkerson Wimberly, and Patsy Tharp; her grandchildren, Trinity Wilkerson, Vernon Lee Wilkerson and wife Jessica, Crystal and husband Wayne Horn, Robby Wilkerson and wife Jaycee, Carolyn and husband James Snell, Billy Wilkerson, Leslie and husband Rick Bebber, Kimberly and husband David Kitchens, Stacy and husband Bryan Marlin, Monty Tharp; and numerous great-grandchildren; her brothers and sisters, Elizabeth and husband Ray Kell, Junior Shafer, Margaret Collins, Sue Stone, Patsy Tharp, and Byron Shafer and wife Roxie; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Family and friends will gather at the Trinity Baptist Church of Bryan on Monday, May 20th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  A Celebration of Life will be conducted at Trinity Baptist Church, on Tuesday, May 21st at 11:00 AM with the Reverend Greg Long Presiding. Interment will follow at the Bryan City Cemetery.  All are invited for fellowship and repast at the Foxhole VFW.