Carol J. Tharp

Carol J. (Becker) Tharp, age 77, of Pontiac, formerly of Cullom, IL, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 3:40 p.m. at Goldwater Care in Pontiac, IL.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cullom, IL. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, starting at 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Pastor Lloyd Evans will be presiding over the service.

Inurnment will take place at a later date at West Lawn Cemetery in Cullom, IL.

Calvert and Martin Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements.

Carol was born on November 25, 1947, in Fairbury, IL, to Harvey and Bernice (Landis) Becker. They preceded her in death. She married David Tharp on August 21, 1965, in Cullom, IL, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. He survives in Pontiac, IL.

Other survivors include her children: Dean (Dona) Tharp of Cullom, IL, Doug (Sherree) Tharp of Apison, TN, Stephanie (Nick) Kubiak of Chatsworth, IL, Steven (Jonathan Howell) Tharp of Manchester, CT; grandchildren: Morgan (Daniel) Mackinson, Jordan (Jordan Lynn) Tharp, Cort (Brooke) Tharp, Jaycee Tharp, Mylee (Jacob) Shoemake, Logan (Lexi) Scott, Taylor (Cory Eimen) Kubiak; and five great-grandchildren: Reagan, Rowan, Shaylee, Oakley, Lenox; siblings: Robert (Joann) Becker, Roger (Diana) Becker, and Shirley Trainor. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and close friends who were like family.

Carol was a dedicated and lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cullom, IL. She was part of the women’s group who enjoyed baking cookies, crafting, and organizing bingo for those in local nursing homes.

Carol managed the Cullom Casey’s General Store for over 20 years as head manager. But the best years of her life were spent working side by side with her granddaughter at Pontiac Flower Farm.

Carol enjoyed quilting, keeping a nice and tidy yard, and her annual “girl trips” with her beloved family. Carol never met a stranger but her greatest love was being Grandma and “Gigi” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The precious memories made will always be cherished and remembered by her loved ones. She truly was the best wife, mom, Grandma, Gigi, and friend, that you could have ever asked for or imagined.

She will truly be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Memorials may be made to OSF Hospice.

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