Mary Dell (Tharp) Haskett

Mary Dell Haskett, 91, of Chico went to be with our Lord Sunday, December 30, 2018 in Decatur, Texas.

Funeral service is 10:30 AM Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport with burial in Chico Cemetery.

Rev. Larry Potts will officiate.  Pallbearers are Jerry Biff Starr, Ryan Tenberg, Shunte Hall, Blake Martindale, Frank Barkley, Shane Sterett, Naamon Barkley, Jimmy Don Newbrough, Joseph Barkley, Brace Hill, Tammy Bury, Sarah Barkley Perez, Colton Lusk, and Brandon Hernandez.

Mary was born May 5, 1927 to Samuel Thomas and Mary Frances Ward Tharp in Ingold, North Carolina.  She married Paul Haskett August 1, 1943 in York, South Carolina.  He preceded her in death along with her grandson, Kenneth Joe Barkley; her great grandson, Jarod Martindale; 3 sisters, Ethel Floyd, Elma Rooks, Frances Eline Tharp; 2 brothers, Elvis Jack Tharp and Samuel Thomas “Bob” Tharp, Jr.

Mary grew up in Garland, North Carolina where she was active in school singing in the Glee Club and playing basketball.  Growing up, she attended the Methodist Church and was active in their youth group.  She enjoyed square dancing, skating and going to youth parties at the church.  When she left school she went to work in a war plant run by the U.S. Navy in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she met her husband who was a paratrooper stationed at Camp McCall.

Mary was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chico, the WMU and the Friendship Club.   In her later years, she enjoyed visiting shut-ins; going out to eat with her friends; being visited by her family and going shopping.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are 4 daughters, Linda Felder of Cheyenne, OK; Mary Shurtz of Savanah, TX; Barbara Barkley of Chico; Teresa Brewer of Norman, OK; 8 Grandchildren; 24 Great grandchildren; her sister, Thelma Lane of North Carolina; numerous nieces and nephews.