Patricia Gallaway Tharp

A fifth generation native of Galveston, Texas, Mrs. Tharp’s grandfather, Dr. David Andrew Burchfield, was a prominent dentist on the island in the early 1920’s. She was predeceased by her parents, Dorothea Mae Burchfield and Gordon Gallaway.

Mrs. Tharp, a longtime resident of Dallas, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in June, 1951. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and voted a campus beauty. She held a Bachelor of Science degree, Master of Liberal Arts, Master of Education, and completed class work toward a PhD. She was elected to Sigma tau Delta and Alpha Chi scholastic fraternities. During her career as a Reading Specialist, Mrs. Tharp had an interest in helping students with learning differences attain success.

As a member of C.P.A. Wives Club of Dallas, she held many board positions, including President. Other memberships included: the Order of Eastern Star, Dallas Symphony Stradivarius member, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Theater Center and Dallas Arboretum.

Mrs. Tharp was a cradle Episcopalian and member of the Church of the Incarnation, where she was active as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, Altar Guild member, Lector, Acosta-Smith member and past president of the Women of the Church. She also held a board position at the Diocesan level.

Predeceased by her husband of fifty years, Kay Robert Tharp, and sister, Nancy Gallaway Smith. Survived by daughters, Valerie Jean Tharp King, Laura Lea Tharp, granddaughter, Carolyn Ann King and grandson Jeffrey Hall King and his wife Callie Puryear King. Survivors include sister, Mrs. Mary Louise Degonde, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. February 9, 2023 in the Memorial Chapel, Church of the Incarnation. Officiating will be Father Chase Skorburg.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Church of the Incarnation Altar Guild at 3966 McKinney Ave., Dallas, Texas 75204 or the charity of choice.