OUR STAFF

Our Staff

Committed to assisting you in commemorating your cherished one, our team possesses extensive experience in serving families from diverse backgrounds. We are accessible round the clock, reachable through email or phone, ensuring continuous support whenever you need it. With patience, compassion, and unwavering professionalism, our team remains dedicated and readily available to attend to your needs.

Management and Funeral Directors

Chris Tharp

Co-Owner | Funeral Service Licensee

In Bedford Staff, Lynchburg Staff, Madison Heights Staff, Management and Funeral Directors, Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake Staff by Tharp Staff

Chris Tharp is a native of Bedford where he graduated from Liberty High School. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond and graduate degrees from Brown University and the University of Virginia.

Chris is the 3rd generation of the Tharp family to enter funeral service following both his father and grandfather into the profession. Chris and his wife, Sarah, an elementary school teacher, enjoy spending time with their sons, John and Ted, and working outside in their garden.

Chris is also an avid cyclist who enjoys riding with friends along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Murrell W. Thronhill, IV

Managing Co-Owner | Funeral Service Licensee

Murrell W. Thornhill IV, is a co-owner of Tharp Funeral Home. He is a native of Lynchburg , where he graduated from Heritage High School. He has undergraduate degrees from John Tyler Community college, Norfolk State University, and a Graduate degree from Longwood University.

After his service in the United States Army, stationed at Ft Bragg, NC, Murrell attended John Tyler Community College and became a licensed funeral director in 2003.
He is married to Adrian Barbour Thornhill, and he has three children: Imoni, Tyler, and Alexis Thornhill.

Murrell is very active in the community and is a member of various organizations. In his spare time he enjoys volunteering to help others spending time with his family, and exercising.

Willard D. "Skip" Tharp

In Management and Funeral Directors by Tharp Staff

Willard D. “Skip” Tharp is Chairman of Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory. Skip is a second generation funeral director following his father, Glenn W. Tharp, a career funeral director who served families of Central Virginia for over 62 years before his death in 1996.

Skip brings over 30 years of experience to our company. He has distinguished himself nationally as a leader and innovator in the funeral service profession. Skip proudly brings his experience and skills to this organization in the hopes of making it the best it can be.

Active in civic and community projects, he was the former Mayor of the City of Bedford and a former member of the Virginia State Board of Funeral Directors & Embalmers. Skip is proud to have passed the day to day leadership of the company on to his son, Chris Tharp, the 3rd generation of Tharp’s local family ownership!

Debbie Griffin-Mann

Business Manager | Co-Owner

Debra Griffin Mann – Debbie has been an integral member of the Tharp family since 2010. Starting as Office Manager, Debbie’s role has grown steadily. In her current position as Business Manage/CFO, she is co-owner along with Chris Tharp and Murrell Thornhill, IV. When not promoting the best interests of the company, its employees, and its clients, Debbie enjoys spending time with her husband Dave, their six children, and one (adorable) grandson. Debbie and Dave are active members of Calvary Chapel Lynchburg, and enjoy travel, restoring their circa 1912 home, and “scooting” around town with the Lynchburg Vespa Club.

David Cook

Funeral Service Licensee

David Cook started in funeral service in May of 1974. He is married to Nicole Drew Cook and together they have six daughters, one son, four grandchildren, and three pet dogs. He is active in church and is a member of the Gideons International.

David graduated from Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science in May of 1978. He is also a graduate from the National Foundation of Funeral Service Management School in 1981.

He is proud to be a part of the Tharp team as we minister to the needs of all the families who call on us. David currently serves as General Manager.

Jared Tucker

Bedford Location Manager | Funeral Service Licensee

Jared Tucker has been working full time as a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Bedford since 2007. A Bedford native, Jared was a 2003 graduate of Liberty High School. After high school, he attended Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, GA and graduated in 2006. Jared worked in Georgia and North Carolina for surrounding funeral homes to later realize he wanted to return to his hometown of Bedford.

In his spare time, Jared enjoys camping and traveling with his wife, Amanda and their son, Raylan. He attends Walnut Grove Church in Montvale. If he’s not working or traveling you can bet he’s golfing, hunting, fishing, camping or relaxing with friends.

Jessica St. John

Lynchburg Location Manager | Funeral Service Licensee

Jessica St. John, originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, moved to Lynchburg at a young age. She graduated from Brookville High School in 2013. She then attended James Madison University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Media Arts and Design. Jessica worked as a yearbook consultant for several years before deciding to change careers. She happily joined the Tharp family in 2020 and finds her work more meaningful than ever. Jessica graduated from John Tyler Community College in 2021 with her Mortuary Science degree.

Jessica married her best friend, Alden, in 2018. They welcomed their son, Silas, in 2022. She enjoys relaxing with her family at Smith Mountain Lake, traveling, and volunteering for the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.

Sam Dyba

Bedford Assistant Manager | Funeral Service Licensee

A native of Bedford County, Sam is a graduate of Jefferson Forest High School. After high school, Sam attended John Tyler Community College where he received his Associates in Funeral Services. Sam joined the Tharp family in 2015.

Sam lives in Forest and very active in his church, Mount Hermon Baptist Church where he is the choir director and leads Vacation Bible School. He is also active with the Bedford Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador and is a graduate of the Leadership Bedford program. In Sam’s free time, he enjoys playing the piano and attending southern gospel concerts, as well as, spending time with his family.

Mike Overstreet

Funeral Service Licensee

In Management and Funeral Directors by Tharp Staff

Mike Overstreet is a lifelong resident of Bedford, where he graduated from Liberty High School. He received his Funeral Services degree from John Tyler Community College in 2014.

Mike lives in Bedford with his wife, Carolyn. He has two children and two grandchildren.

Mike takes great comfort in helping families through a difficult time in their lives. He loves all sports and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Mike and Carolyn are long time members of Main Street Methodist Church in Bedford.

Patrick Hubble

Funeral Service Licensee

Patrick Lee Hubble originally from Los Angeles, California moved to Virginia and graduated from Appomattox County High School in 1987. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a combat medic and dental technician, he was honorably discharged in 1992. Patrick then graduated from Cypress College in Los Angeles and became a licensed embalmer and funeral director in 1997.

Patrick is active in the local community, belonging to the Society of American Magicians, the American Legion Post #16, the Vespa & Lambretta Club of Lynchburg, the Hill City Military Reenactors Association, plays with the Blackwater Rugby Club, and is a member of Calvary Chapel of Lynchburg.

Patrick lives in the Federal Hill Historic District in downtown Lynchburg with his wife Bridget, and enjoys spending time with his daughter Meagan and his six grandchildren: Nolan, Natalia, Patrick, Bridget, Mildred, and Claire’.

Melissa Hardenburg

Funeral Service Licensee

Melissa “Missy” Hardenburg, a resident of Amherst, VA where she is proud to call home and be active in the community.

Missy graduated high school from Nelson County High School in Lovingston, VA and went on to receive her degree in Mortuary Science from John Tyler Community College in 2002. In addition to helping our client families, Missy manages our social media content and is a member of the Amherst County Chamber of Commerce Board.

Missy and her husband, Dennis, enjoy spending time with family and friends and their two “fur-babies,” Dottie and Dash. In her spare time, Missy loves to bake and garden with her family.

Cameo Smith

Funeral Service Licensee

Cameo Smith Hensley joined the Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory team in 2020, relocating from Appalachia, Virginia to Bedford. With a degree in funeral science from John Tyler Community College, Cameo became a licensed funeral director in 2024. Previously, she earned an associate degree in Science and General Studies from Mountain Empire Community College.

Married to her husband, Austin, since 2022, Cameo now calls Lynchburg home. They're active attendees of Thomas Road Baptist Church and love soaking up the sun at the beach. You might also catch them at the baseball field, where Austin coaches JV baseball at E.C. Glass High School and travel ball.

Giving back to the community is important to Cameo, and she's recently been involved in cleaning headstones in local cemeteries. When she's not working or volunteering, she enjoys spending time outdoors, embracing all that Central Virginia has to offer.

Jeremy Jackson

Funeral Service Intern

Jeremy Jackson, a native of Lynchburg, VA joined the Tharp Funeral Home Family after spending multiple years leading operations the in the Restaurant Industry. During Jeremy’s academic career at Liberty University earning both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration, he developed a passion for service and exercised that daily through his career in business. Jumping into the Funeral Service industry he aspires to continue that passion for service in helping everyone that Tharp Funeral Home comes in contact with.

Jeremy loves spending time serving at his church and at various organizations in the community. In his free time he enjoys every moment spent with his family and friends.

Kailyn Wray

Funeral Service Intern

Kailyn Wray, a native of Charlotte Court House, Virginia, began working in the funeral service industry in 2017. Kailyn’s shared passion for respect and honor to serve families led her to her calling to become a Funeral Director. She joined the Tharp team in October of 2022.

When not at work, Kailyn can be found riding her motorcycle, writing to her beloved pen pals, crafting, or enjoying time outside.

O'Tario Wells

Funeral Service Intern

O’Tario Wells, a native of Rocky Mount, Virginia where he graduated from Franklin County High School and moved to Lynchburg in 2017 with a passion for music where he joined Ramp Church International under the leadership of Bishop S.Y. Younger as the church Bassist. While he was still searching for his true calling, he found a love for helping people with grief and decided to pursue a career to become a Funeral Director and Embalmer. O’Tario has been in the Funeral industry since 2019 and is currently attending Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services to obtain a license in mortuary science.

O’Tario loves to spend time with his wife Heaven Wells, two daughters Skylar Spencer-Wells and Navy Wells in his time away from work. He still serves as the bassist at the Ramp Church every Sunday and in his limited downtime he likes to play basketball, horseback ride, and go to the gun range.

Kimberly Lewis

Funeral Service Intern

Kimberly Franklin Lewis, a native of Amherst County, began working in the funeral service industry in 2000. Kym’s shared passion for respect and honor to serve families led her to her calling to become a Funeral Director. She joined the Tharp team in 2016. When not at work, Kym can be found spending time with her daughter and grandson.

Marisha Mays Scott

Funeral Service Intern

Marisha Michelle Mays Scott is a native of Lynchburg, VA. Marisha has dedicated over twenty years to serving the community, drawing from her extensive background in nursing. Family is very important to her, and she takes great joy in helping others whenever she can. Marisha believes deeply that her true calling lies in the funeral service industry. She finds joy in making memories with family and relaxing at the beach during her leisure time. Marisha is married to Corey Scott. She has one daughter, Jazmyn, and a stepdaughter, Jaiden.

Brett Coffey

Funeral Service Intern

Brett joined the staff of Tharp Funeral Home as a senior in high school. While working part-time he found his true calling to become a Funeral Director. He is also a Certified Crematory Operator. Brett is a native of Altavista and is proud to call Virginia his home. He is a 2020 graduate of Rustburg High School and is a member of Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church in Gladys, a member of the Young Professionals of Central Virginia, a past member of the Greater Lynchburg Community Outreach (Youth Philanthropy Board), and a past delegate for the 77th session of Virginia American Legion Boys State.

When he is not at work, Brett enjoys reading, antiquing, and volunteering his time and services to many area organizations. Brett considers it a great privilege to serve the families of Lynchburg and the surrounding areas during the most vulnerable times in their life and is proud to be part of the Tharp Family.

Robert "Buddy" Maxey, Jr.

Funeral Service Licensee

Robert “Buddy” Maxey, Jr. has been employed at Tharp Funeral Home since 2003. He is a graduate of Central Virginia Community College, Averett University, and John Tyler Community College where he received his degree in Funeral Service in 2008.

Prior to beginning his career at Tharp Funeral Home, Buddy served as Sheriff of Campbell County for twenty years. Buddy has been interested in the funeral service for many years and feels very fortunate to be able to enter it as a second career.

He and his wife, Martha, live in the Rustburg community of Campbell County, where Martha teaches sixth grade at Rustburg Middle School. They are members of Rustburg Presbyterian Church. Their daughter, Hannah, is a social worker at The Summit Health and Rehabilitation Center and their son, Adam, is a graduate of Virginia Tech.

Kay Rice

Funeral Service Licensee

Kay received a Certificate in Accounting from Central Virginia Community College, an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science, Magna Cum Laude, from John Tyler Community College, and has completed RTS (Resolve Through Sharing) training.

She is a member of Timbrook Women’s Club, Women of the Moose Chapter 1335, is a committee member with the Heart of Virginia Branch of the QDMA, and attends the annual Professional Women’s Conference for women in funeral service.

Kay is married to Charles Dugger and is very proud to be a part of the community where her family and friends reside.

Malcom Parker

Staff Position

Malcolm Parker is a native of Bedford County, where he graduated from Liberty High School. After 29 years in the printing industry, Malcolm had the opportunity to pursue his life-long dream of becoming a funeral director. Graduating summa cum laude with an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service from John Tyler Community College in 2004, he became licensed as a funeral director.

Active in the local community, Malcolm enjoys being a member of the Evington Masonic Lodge #333, the Forest Rotary Club, and Timberlake United Methodist Church.

His wife, Ann, works at James River Day School. Ann and Malcolm have two children. Their son, Neal, attends William and Mary College, and their daughter, Emily, attends E.C. Glass. Malcolm also has three grown sons, Mac, Brian, and Nic Parker.

In the spare time, Malcolm and Ann enjoy gardening, genealogy, home improvement, and spending time with their family.

Molly Bryant

Funeral Assistant

Molly is a native of Appomattox, VA, and proudly joined the Tharp Team in 2013. Molly graduated from mortuary school in 2015 at John Tyler Community College.

Upon graduation, Molly remained in the Richmond area for three years and recently rejoined the Tharp Family in 2018.

She is a trained facilitator for Kids Haven, a local organization for grieving children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her parents, sister, and friends.

Preneed Directors

Erica Griffin-Hall

Advanced Planning Funeral Service Licensee

Erica Griffin Hall is the Preplanning Funeral Director at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg. Her career with Tharp started years ago as an intern while attending college. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in 2014, she moved to Washington, D.C. to work at various non-profit organizations. Wanting to take all she learned in her non-profit roles and apply it to her home community, Erica returned to work at Tharp in 2020 and received her Funeral Sciences degree in 2022. When she’s not working, you can find her playing tennis with her husband, hiking with her yellow lab, Lucy, or attempting to bake the perfect loaf of bread with her sisters.

Administrative Staff and Funeral Assistants

Byrd Strain

Lynchburg Insurance and Billing Office

A native of Bedford County, Byrd is a graduate of Staunton River High School. She has worked in the healthcare industry since 1987 and is also a Board Certified Respiratory Therapist.

Byrd is married to David Strain and has two children and two step-children. She attends Blue Ridge Community Church and is a member of the Rotary Club of Bedford, Bedford Chamber of Commerce and Business Networking International (BNI) at SML. She also enjoys the beach, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.

Joy Landa

Lynchburg Office Assistant

Bonnie Wilson

Bedford Office Assistant

Ed Breslow

Judy Manley

Maybe, Comfort Dog

Here to offer families a calming, nurturing presence at Tharp Funeral Home, we welcome Maybe, the Comfort Dog.

A sweet, two-year-old Goldendoodle puppy, Maybe has spent the last six months training to be a Comfort Dog through Shady Mountain Pet Retreat. This friendly little pup is ready to pet, cuddle, and provide our client families some love and affection during difficult times.

“There are many documented benefits of therapy dogs. Their presence has been shown to lower heart rate, increase the production of oxytocin and reduce stress,” said Netzin Steklis, a research specialist at the University of Arizona and co-chair of the Human-Animal Interaction Research Initiative (HAIRI).

Having a Comfort Dog on staff is one more way that we are working to care for our client families every day at Tharp.

You can also see what Maybe is up to when he is not helping our client families on Instagram.

Monty Fox

Keith Manuel

H Cary

Everette L. Daniel, Jr.

Elizabeth Austin

Duane Gregory

Calvin Dameron

Bonnie Boyles

Betsy Ballowe

Sharon Cash

Jeff Taylor

A fourth generation Funeral Director, Jeff retired to Bedford to live the quite life. After six months, he found it was too quite so he looked for the best funeral home in town and has been associated with Tharp ever since.

Jeff is married to Margaret, has two sons and two granddaughters. He delights in watching his granddaughters grow and enjoys the outdoors, mountains, water and wildlife.

Sharon Freeman

Lynda Bullington

Peggy Neumann

Frank Neumann

Jim and Fran Dorman

Everette and Joan Beale

Doug Gentry

Bob and Elaine Floyd

Marie Wagner

Janie Inge

Donnie Glass

In Administrative Staff and Funeral Assistants by Tharp Staff

Johnny Lawson

Johnny has served as Funeral Assistant for more than twenty years. He is a native of Kingsport, Tennessee, but Bedford has been his home since 1970. He received a B.S. Degree from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and a Master of Education Degree from Lynchburg College. He retired from Bedford County Public Schools with 30 years of service. Johnny is a member of Bedford Baptist Church.

Johnny’s wife Glenda is also a native of Kingsport. They have a daughter Amy who lives in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with her husband, Greg and their daughter, Allie.

One of Johnny’s favorite past times is spending time in Myrtle Beach with his daughter and family. He also enjoys traveling and is a huge college football fan.

Betty Pennington

In Administrative Staff and Funeral Assistants by Tharp Staff