LANCASTER, SC ~ Mrs. Bertha Ferguson Tharpe, age 78, passed away Monday, April 9, 2018. She was born March 22, 1940 in Winnsboro, SC, a daughter of the late Irby Loy Koon and Pauline Rebecca Bunch. Her father died at an early age and she was raised by Pauline and Cecil Hammons, the man she knew as Daddy. Bertha was a hairdresser in the Great Falls area for many years prior to teaching Cosmetology for 25 years at the Lancaster Vocational School. She later returned to school and received her LPN degree. She worked in a nursing home and as a school nurse at Clinton Elementary School. She also taught Sunday School and was a girl scout leader. She was a very loving person who touched many lives and was a member of Second Baptist Church.

Bertha is survived by her husband, James T. Tharpe; two daughters, Melanie Merchant (Ralph) of York and Cecilia Henson (Billy) of Great Falls; two stepsons, Jeff Tharpe (Wanda) of Easley and Joe Tharpe (Lisa) of Marshall Town, IA; grandchildren, Megan Dry (Phillip), Chase Henson, Harrison Banks all of Great Falls, step-grandchildren, Tiffany Daigle (Paul), Jessica Schmittle (Eric), Hayden and Makenzie; great-grandchildren, Kannon, Bryson and Hayden Dry, and step-great grandchildren Tanner, Dawson and Parker Schmittle and Sullivan and Easton Daigle.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 46 years, Hazel Lou Ferguson; and a sister, Brenda Gail Allen.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Mrs. Tharpe will be 3:00 pm Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Second Baptist Church by Dr. Brian Saxon. The family will receive friends one hour before the service, from 2:00 3:00 pm, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731 or Second Baptist Church, 1426 Great Falls Highway, Lancaster, SC 29720.