Harriet Tharp

Harriet "JoAnn" Phillips Tharp was born on August 15,1948 in Cedar City, Utah, the oldest of seven children of Harriet and Terry Phillips. She spent most of her early years in Caliente, Nevada, and her childhood was busy with brothers, sisters, church activities, and plenty of service around the house. She had a great love of music, which she got from her father and passed on to her own children eventually. She met her sweetheart, Glenn, while she was in high school. He was tall, dark, and handsome, and they were married in January 1967. They looked forward to a large family of their own, and they certainly succeeded... together they parented nine children: seven sons and two daughters. They moved their large family many times over the course of their 48-year marriage, living in California, Texas, Nevada, and Utah. Their home was always organized chaos, but JoAnn flourished as a mother and took great pride in her family, leading by example with selflessness and hard work. Her family kept her busy and constantly on her feet, but still she always sought out more opportunities to serve and enrich the lives of others. She would often speak about grabbing the neighborhood kids and piling into the suburban to go camping or on another outdoor excursion. She dedicated her life to her family and church callings; she truly believed that when we are in the service of our family and fellow man, we are in the service of our God. She was an inspiring example to her family and friends of a true disciple of Christ. JoAnn was an elementary school teacher for 20 years; she loved teaching the children and watching them learn. She was not only the children's teacher, she was their biggest cheerleader. Even after her retirement from teaching, JoAnn sought out many opportunities to teach and nurture others, including many hours spent doing crafts or reading to her grandchildren. She was legendary for her comprehensive lists of birthday cards and remembrances of special occasions in the lives of others, while always shying away from the spotlight or undue attention herself. Her family will miss her love and natural goodness as well as her words of wisdom. We are all very grateful for the time she had on this earth and how she spent it in service, both temporally and spiritually. JoAnn is survived by two sisters: Kathy and Luann; three brothers: Richard, Ronnie, & Roy; her loving husband Glenn; six sons and two daughters: Steve, Jimmy, Danny, John, Mark, Paul, Becky, and Deborah; and 12 grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, one brother, and her eldest son, David.