Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.

01/12/2026

Brandy Tenesha Miller Brown

Brandy Tenesha Miller Brown, age 46, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Lynchburg General Hospital. At this time, no services are planned. Those who wish to assist the family with the expenses of final arrangements may do so by using the link below or by contacting us directly. Our office hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. https://fundafamily.com/Donation.aspx?M=27116&C=57783 Tharp Funeral Home &...

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01/12/2026

Irene Natividad Valencia

Irene was born in Lima, Peru. She was the daughter of Irene Saavedra and the late Jose Valencia. She arrived in the United States in 2013 to live in New York and later moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, with her sisters and mother. She completed all her schooling and higher education in Peru. Irene was very cheerful, an animal lover, adventurous, and a dancer. She loved taking pictures of nature, birds, and capturing the best family moments. She decided to learn...

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01/11/2026

Kerri Anne Koberlein

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kerri Anne Koberlein, age 38, who passed away on January 5, 2026. Kerri was born in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Roanoke, Virginia. She later moved to East Windsor, New Jersey, where she formed many meaningful friendships that remained close to her heart throughout her life. She attended Hightstown High School and later graduated from Jefferson Forest High School in Forest, Virginia. Kerri pursued higher education at Central Virginia Community...

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01/11/2026

Melinda Funk Massie

Melinda Funk Massie, 61, of Lynchburg, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. She was born on July 2, 1964, to the late Evert Clinton and Patricia Thorne Funk. She was survived by her daughter, Patricia Mays (Crystal); sisters, Cathy Greenwood (Eddie) and Ramona Wright (Rodney); stepmother, Bonnie Funk; two stepbrothers and one stepsister; two granddogs; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A family night celebrating her life will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday,...

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01/11/2026

Albert Lee Paige, Sr.

Mr. Albert Lee Paige, Sr. “Butch departed this life Thursday, January 1, 2026. He was a quiet, soft spoken, meticulous very private person who loved and lived life his way. He was the son of the late Clement Stevens and Dorothy Paige Bolding. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his grandfather William Andrew Paige, his grandmother Gracie N. Paige, one uncle William A. Paige, Jr. and two lifelong friends Ronnie Hall and Aubrey Barbour,...

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01/11/2026

Hobart Francis Markham

Hobart Francis Markham went to be with the Lord on January 7, 2026. He is survived by his son, Nick Markham; daughter-in-law, Patricia Markham; grandson, Martin Shane Markham and his wife, Donna Markham; great-grandson, Jakob Reid Markham; nephew, David Markham; niece, Mary Lee Casey and her husband, Donald Casey; and niece, Julie Atkins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary LaVera Markham; sisters, Geraldine Markham and Elizabeth Wright; brothers, Arthur Leonard Markham and Harold Ray Markham; daughter-in-law, Jewel...

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01/11/2026

Thomas Excell Coleman

Thomas Excell Coleman, 95, of Madison Heights, passed away at his home on January 3, 2026 after a five year diagnosis of lymphoma. Tom was born in Amherst County to the late Wiley Newton Coleman, Sr. and the late Ola Martin Wingfield Coleman. Tom graduated from Madison Heights High School in 1949. He joined the U. S. Army on February 14, 1952. He served in Germany and was honorably discharged in April 6, 1960. Tom enrolled in Lynchburg College (now...

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01/11/2026

John Pelissier

John (Jean) Armand Pélissier, born January 19, 1925 in Brignoles, France, died in Lynchburg, Virginia, at the age of 100, on January 2, 2026. He was the son of Gustave and Marguerite Pélissier, and brother to nine siblings. He married Emma Marie Loubière in 1949, in Paris, France. Together, they moved to Dakar, Senegal, where their first daughter, Bernadette, was born; and then to the United States, where John completed his Phd in crop and soil science, and where they...

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01/09/2026

The Tradition of Bagpipes at Funerals

Bagpipes are often heard at funerals because of their deep roots in military, law enforcement, and firefighter traditions, as well as their powerful ability to convey honor, loss, and remembrance.

Where the tradition comes from

The use of bagpipes dates back centuries, particularly in Scottish and Irish culture, where pipers were used in both battle and ceremony. Over time, this tradition carried into military services and later into police and fire departments—many of which trace their ceremonial customs back to those origins.

Why bagpipes are used at funerals

The sound of the bagpipes is:
• Solemn and dignified
• Capable of carrying over long distances
• Emotionally powerful without spoken words

For many families, the music symbolizes:
• A final farewell
• Honor and sacrifice
• Courage, service, and duty

When bagpipes are typically included

Bagpipes are most commonly requested for:
• Law enforcement funerals
• Firefighter funerals
• Military services
• Families with Scottish or Irish heritage
• Services honoring public servants or first responders

They are often played during:
• The entrance or recessional
• The committal or graveside service
• A final farewell after honors are rendered

A lasting moment of remembrance

For many families and attendees, the sound of the bagpipes becomes one of the most unforgettable parts of the service—a moment that quietly says thank you, we remember, and you are honored.

At Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, we are honored to help families incorporate meaningful traditions that reflect a life of service and legacy.

01/07/2026

A funeral procession is a family’s final journey with their loved one — a moment that deserves patience, respect, and care.

We’ve created this brief guide to help explain proper funeral procession etiquette and to support both grieving families and the safety of everyone on the road.

Thank you to our community for helping us honor lives with dignity and compassion.

01/06/2026

In a world where most news — including obituaries — is shared online, it’s easy to wonder if submitting an obituary to the newspaper still matters.

While social media and online memorials allow for immediate sharing, newspaper obituaries serve a different — and lasting — purpose. Newspapers become part of permanent public record, often archived for decades or even centuries.

Years from now, when future generations research family history, confirm lineage, or search public archives, those printed records often remain long after websites change or disappear.

Choosing to place an obituary in the newspaper isn’t just about today — it’s about preserving a life’s story for tomorrow. It’s one small decision that can make a lasting difference.

At Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, we’re always happy to walk families through their options and explain what each choice means long-term.

01/06/2026

Judith Elaine Early George

Judith Elaine Early George (November 28, 1936 – December 20, 2025) lived a life marked by faith, family, and friendship. Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma to wonderful parents, James L. Early and Pauline A. Early, who guided her formative years until her marriage in 1958 to Dr John D. George, Jr. (LTC, Ret) with whom she shared life for 60 years (including 26 moves across the country and abroad). A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Judy cherished her family and a...

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