Georgetown ~

Marlyn Jo Vaughn Tharp, 91, wife of Charles "Sonny" Bonner Tharp, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, July 23rd, 2024.

Born in Tampa, Florida on August 26, 1932, Jo was the second of three daughters to the late James Alexander Vaughn and Annie Ruth Gregory Vaughn. In addition to her husband, she is survived by sons, James Gregory Tharp (Laura) of Pawleys Island, South Carolina and Marc Bonner Tharp of Fort Pierce, Florida. Jo's youngest and much-loved son, Tracy Tomlinson Tharp, predeceased her in death. She is further survived by her grandchildren Jeffrey Tharp (Laura), Bryan Tharp (Anna Marie), Kaelyn Tharp Warden (Daniel), Ashley Tharp, and Courtney Tharp; great-grandchildren Fisher Tharp, Audrey Tharp, Emily Tharp and Sonny Tharp; as well as her younger and dearly loved sister, Jacquelyn Vaughn McCants (the late Jimmy McCants) of Tampa, Florida; and many nieces and nephews whom she adored. Beloved, older sister, Patsy Vaughn Schooler (the late Charlie Schooler) of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, preceded her in death.

Upon graduation from Tampa's Hillsborough High School in 1950, she attended Wesleyan and Mercer Universities in Macon, Georgia. It was here she met Sonny, the love of her life and husband of 72 years. Jo settled into life as an Army Officer's wife, moving 17 times throughout the United States and abroad over 27 years; all while raising their three very active and boisterous sons, who always brought a smile to her face.

Jo's love of children—especially babies—led her to become a Sunday school teacher throughout her life as well as a Headstart kindergarten teacher, supporting children's growth and early development. Motivated to pursue her own career, Jo decided to enter the workforce. Beginning as a bank teller without a college degree, Jo worked her way up to Senior Vice President at Nuveen, a major municipal bond brokerage firm, guiding an all-female staff to become the top sales team in the country. Her fearlessness in a male-dominated industry inspired countless women in her life, including her nieces, granddaughters, and colleagues.

Later retiring to Pawleys Island, South Carolina to be nearer her sisters, Jo and Sonny became active in their church and community. Jo was a member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, the Francis Asbury Sunday School class, and the Loula Ford Circle. Having a passion for lifting up those in need, particularly children, she volunteered with Miss Ruby's Kids, one of Georgetown's leading non-profit and charitable programs serving Georgetown County children. Much like her mother Annie Ruth, Jo found enjoyment and peace cultivating beautiful and colorful flowers, especially peonies, later taking classes at Brookgreen Gardens to become a master gardener. Sonny and Jo often opened their home to family and friends, hosting several receptions, dinners, and holiday meals both in Virginia, where she and Sonny once lived, as well as at their lovely home in Pawleys Plantation.

While Jo will be greatly missed by her loved ones, they are comforted by the full and loving life she led. Her kind heart, beautiful spirit, and her lifelong commitment to her Lord will always be remembered.

The family is grateful for the wonderful care she received from caregivers in her home, at Arbor Landing Memory Care, Gentiva Hospice of Charleston, Tidelands Hospice, and NHC Healthcare of Garden City.

A memorial service will be held at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 3rd at 1:00 pm with the Reverends Ross Chellis and Dr. Dora Gafford officiating.

Family will receive friends at a viewing from 5:00-7:00 pm Friday, August 2nd, at Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home, Georgetown Chapel, 222 St James Street, Georgetown, South Carolina, 29440.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the following organizations:

Miss Ruby's Kids , Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church , or Alzheimer's Association .