Cynthia May Riley Tharp, a cherished soul whose life was a testament to love, faith, and creativity, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024, at the age of 98. Born on May 12, 1926, in Hohenwald, Tennessee, she was the beloved daughter of Marvin “Oscoe” Riley and Glady Hinson Riley. Cynthia’s final days were spent surrounded by the love and warmth of her family in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.

Cynthia’s life was marked by her unwavering faith and the joy she found in simple pleasures. She was a god-fearing woman who spent hours reading her bible and saw the beauty in everyday moments and shared her blessings generously with all who knew her. Her love for her family was boundless, and she was a guiding light in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Married to the late Paul Tharp, Cynthia found joy in her partnership and built a life filled with love and shared values. Though she was preceded in death by her daughter, Troyce Paulette Tharp, Cynthia’s legacy of love lives on through her grandchildren, Troy (Deon) Flanagan and Tonya Webb, as well as her adored great-grandchildren, Cole and Denton Webb, and Tyler and Tucker Paul Flanagan.

Cynthia’s hands were rarely still, as she expressed her creativity through crocheting and quilting. Each stitch was a symbol of her love and care, crafting warmth not just through the blankets and quilts she made but also through the connections and memories she wove into the fabric of her family’s lives. Her grandbabies were her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them, always eager to celebrate their achievements and milestones.

A loving and faith-filled woman, Cynthia’s spirit was one of hope and comfort to those around her. Her creative talents were not just hobbies but a way for her to share her heart and soul with the world. She will be remembered for her kind smile, her gentle hands, and the way she could turn the ordinary into something beautiful.

She is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. As we lay her to rest, we take comfort in the knowledge that her spirit lives on through the love she gave, the faith she shared, and the beauty she created. She had one goal in life and lived each day to hear the words “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:23

Visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of service of 2:00 pm in the chapel of Adair Funeral & Cremation Services on Friday, July 12, 2022. She will be laid to rest next to her late husband at Swiss cemetery following the funeral services.

Adair Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.