Nina Singleton Tharpe, 79, of Ronda passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at Hugh Chatham Nursing Center. She was born November 7, 1929 in Morganton, NC to Donald and Zelda Hayes Singleton. Mrs. Tharpe was a member of Elkin First United Methodist Church and was a member of The Barbara Heck United Methodist Women, The National Association of Educators, and The NC Association of Educators. Mrs. Tharpe touched many individuals in her work as an educator and through her involvement in the United Methodist Women. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, and reading. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Tharpe was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Singleton. She is survived by her husband, Charlie E. Tharpe of the home; a son, Charles Neal Tharpe & wife Carole of Mooresville; a daughter, Sarah Tharpe Winchell & husband Mark of Greensboro; a brother, Jack Singleton of Yadkinville; special niece & nephew, Ruby Lee Johnson of Hamptonville and Donnie Singleton of Statesville; two grandchildren, Emily Winchell and Olivia Winchell; and numerous nieces & nephews. The family wishes to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and correspondence Nina received. They also wish to thank Charlene Solis for her dedication to Nina and her family during Nina½s illness. She provided care as well as friendship. The family expresses thanks to the staff of the Hugh Chatham Nursing Center and the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 2:30 pm at First United Methodist Church in Elkin with Dr. Chuck Baker officiating. A reception will follow the service. Please feel free to bring photos or other remembrances to share during the reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United Methodist Women Scholarship Fund, c/o Loretta Cash 299 Grassy Creek Drive, State Road, NC 28676 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 688 N. Bridge Street Elkin, NC 28621.
