Jane A. Tharp

Jane Anne Tharp –“Miss Janie”– 88, of Charlotte, Mich., known for her love of children and commitment to the community through the Charlotte Community Pre-school, passed away on June 27, 2021. Jane was born March 5, 1933 in Charlotte, Mich. to Harold and Lucile (Dowker) Smith. Jane received her associates degree in teaching from County Normal in Hastings, Mich. also continuing her education at Western Michigan University and MSU where she was an active participant in the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Most people will remember Miss Janie for fostering and operating the Charlotte Community Preschool for several years. Jane being very active in the community, was a member of the Parent Cooperative Preschool Advisory Board, the American Women’s Group, and TOPS. She was also a Campfire Girls leader.
Jane is survived by her sons, David C. (Betsy) Tharp of Chicago, Ill. and Mark J. Tharp of Charlotte, Mich.; daughter Sharon Tharp Gault of S.C.; grandchild Ian Gault and sister, Sue (Dick) Trimble. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diana K. Tharp; sister, Helen (Jack) Snedeker; Sally Vanderploeg; son-in-law, Danny Gault; and her parents.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Celebrant Laura Cooper officiating. Guests were encouraged to dress casually as a tribute to Miss Janie. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Jane’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jane on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.