Gracie Jane Tharp

Gracie Jane Tharp, 80, of Abilene, passed from this life on June 6, 2023, at Hendrick Hospice Care Center.  She was diagnosed with cancer on April 6, and enjoyed making many memories with her family in her last days.  Visitation will be Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.  Funeral service will be Friday, June 9 at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors with Larry Fitzgerald officiating.  Burial will be in Fort Phantom Cemetery.

Gracie was born in Baird, Texas on September 17, 1942, to Ludie and Josephine Gatewood.  She grew up in Anson, Texas and graduated from Anson High School.  She married Donald Patrick "Pat" Tharp on April 17, 1965 in Anson, Texas.  They have five children.

She was retired from the City of Abilene, Traffic Department, but also worked at Woodlawn Church of Christ as a preschool teacher while her children were young.  She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ for over 65 years.

Survivors include three sons, Randy Tharp and his wife Tonya of Abilene, Donny Tharp and his wife, Patsy of Tonto Basin, AZ, and Johnny Tharp of Abilene; two daughters, Tammy Rose, and her husband James of Abilene, and Patty Galaway of Abilene.  She has 8 grandchildren, Rachael Szalkowski and her husband Chris of The Colony, TX, Hannah Howell of El Dorado, CA, Tori Rose, Patrick Tharp, Shelby Rose, Peyton Tharp, Lilly Tharp, and Addison Galaway, all of Abilene.  She has 4 great-grandchildren Robert Rice and Charles Rice, both of El Dorado, CA, and Clara Szalkowski and Thaddaeus Szalkowski, both of The Colony, TX.  Preceded in death by her parents, her four siblings, and her husband.

Gracie loved others well and will be missed by all who knew her.  She was full of grace, kindness, and class.  "...a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."  Proverbs 31:30.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.