Evelyn “Ev” Thompson Tharp, 92, of Davidson, N.C., peacefully passed away at home on June 15, 2024.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 21, at 2 p.m. in the chapel at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville, N.C. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. prior to the service. A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Lyons City Cemetery in Lyons, Ga.

For those unable to attend the service, please use the following link to view the service: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxODg0MDE1ODMxNDg1NyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Ev was a uniquely unique woman. She was the perfect combination of the quintessential Southern lady and a true Steel Magnolia. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher and the epitome of a true friend to so many throughout her life. Ev’s family meant everything to her, and she never wavered in their importance to her. She was born in Augusta, Ga., on September 21, 1931, and was the daughter of the late Harry Hilliard Thompson and Grace Pughsley Thompson. Ev grew up in the bucolic little Southern town of Lyons, Ga., and graduated from Wesleyan Conservatory with a B.A in Music and Music Education. After college, she married her cherished husband of 50 years, the late John “Jack” W. Tharp, and together they raised their three girls in Charlotte, N.C. Ev was an active member of her community. especially when it came to children. She taught at Cotswold Elementary School for 34 years, and while she was known as being a bit strict, she was also beloved as a teacher who showed her students with unconditional love and an unyielding belief in their abilities. In 1987, she was honored by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Center with the Distinguished Service Award as the city’s outstanding senior worker, and upon her retirement she was honored by the Charlotte Observer as an educator of honor and high standards. In addition to her years of working with children, Ev was also an avid volunteer with the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, and she took her role as a chief judge during election season with great pride and the utmost seriousness. Upon retirement, Ev and Jack moved to Davidson, N.C., in 1986. She was a member of Davidson College Presbyterian Church.

Ev was predeceased by her husband Jack; and precious daughter, Nancy Tharp Walker.

She is survived by her daughters, Margaret Tharp Mueller (Greg), and Frances Pauline Tharp, and special daughter, Fran Pughsley (“Squirt”); her beloved grandchildren, Gregory Mueller of Tel Aviv, Israel and Evelyn “Evie” Walker McMahan (Ryan) of Mooresville, N.C.; her cherished great-grandsons, Walker and Thomas McMahan; and special great-grandsons, Bransen, Jack, and Braylen. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Barbara Meadows, and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her family would like to thank Ev’s outstanding and caring doctors, Novant Hospice Care and her many wonderful caregivers from Bayada-Huntersville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville is serving the family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.