Artie Kathryn (Sally) Deal Tharpe Wike
Artie Kathryn (Sally) Deal Tharpe Wike
Artie Kathryn (Sally) Deal Tharpe Wike, 88, of Statesville, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, December 2, 2016, surrounded with love; the way she and her family wanted it to happen.
She was born June 29, 1928, in Alexander County, daughter of Milas Carl Deal and Velsie Sloop Deal.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, James Wike and wife Bert of Charleston, South Carolina, Michael (Mykl) Wike and fiancé Jason Sandborn of the home; a daughter, Hazel Wike Starcher of Statesville; a granddaughter, Jennifer Starcher and fiancé Cory Palmer of Maiden; a grandson, Chris Wike of Statesville; and her beloved Mickey D, a rescue dog, who has been her best buddy for over five years, will miss her greatly.
Mama was a loving woman, who never met a stranger. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved laughing. She was open and caring of her fellow man. That was her hobby and her ministry to the world.
Before I began school, she often took me with her to visit nursing homes and hospitals for the people who had no other visitors. She was an active church attendant as she was able, and sang in the choir when she could.
She was a member of a senior citizen dinner group at Chapel Hill Methodist and loved desserts at the covered dish dinners. She could make a delicious persimmon pudding.
Always regretting dropping out of high school, she finally earned her GED at age 70 at Mitchell Community College. She was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary for a number of years.
She worked early on in sewing factories. Later, she was a waitress, a cashier at Woolworth’s, and lastly a cashier at Home Bakery, in Statesville, until 1982. She blessed many lives in her lifetime and her memory will be kept and shared by many more.
The funeral service was held Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Adams Funeral Home Chapel. The service was conducted by Randy Robb with music provided by Stephen Setzer, both friends of the family. Burial followed at Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank Gordon Hospice House for their immense support and help during this transition. They were instrumental in giving our mother a peaceful passing.
Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services was honored to serve the Wike Family.
