Frances Holmes Ewell Tharpe, 84, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Jurney’s Assisted Living.

Fran was born February 4, 1941, in Danville, Va., to the late Frederick Holmes Ewell and Pauline Love Ewell. She was a graduate of Statesville High School and Statesville Business College. She worked as an Interior Designer in the furniture industry. In her free time, she enjoyed working in the yard, playing golf, watercolor, painting, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a devoted pet owner and a member of Forest Park Presbyterian Church.

In addition to her parents, Fran was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert “Bob” Wiley Marlowe and John Sykes Tharpe; grandson, Zachary Matthew Tharpe; and sister, Betty Ewell Sterner.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Thomas Frederick Tharpe (Kim); daughter, Tamala Love Tharpe Warren; grandchildren, Brittni Love Warren, Ryan Marlowe Tharpe, and Cole Mason Tharpe; great-grandchildren, Carmyn Love and Daniel Robert, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 9, in the Troutman Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Scott Jeffreys officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the service from 1 until 2 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society, 2106 Charlotte Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117 or Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 1026 Davie Avenue, Statesville, NC 28677.

Arrangements for Fran are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.