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YOUNGSTOWN -- Mother Ida Tharpe departed this life Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, at the Oasis Rehab Center.
She was born Dec. 17, 1930, in Girard, the second child of James and Lucy Southerland Thorpe Sr.
In September 1953, Ida and Thad Tharpe Jr. were joined in marriage by Kathryn Kuhlman, making their home in Youngstown. To this union, three children were born.
Ida attended Maple Avenue Elementary School in Girard and graduated from Chaney High School in Youngstown. As a child, Ida was a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Clinkscale, where she was a member of the Jubilee Choir, pastor's aide and the usher board. She also wrote and created the holiday plays for the church.
Ida was a member of the Kathryn Kuhlman Ministries and later joined Emmanuel Ministries under the pastorship of David Verzilli Sr.
Led by the Holy Spirit, Pastor Ida Tharpe, Sis. Willamina Mitchell and Sis. Rose Coleman started a local branch of the Pacesetters Ministries that originated in Pittsburgh. Some services were held at Prayer Mountain Ministries in Darlington, Pa., under the pastorship of Jim and Naomi Allison. She was also associated with the Salvation Army, El Shaddai Dominion and Restoration Ministries.
Through her Christian walk, Pastor Ida always spoke about her healing from God that she received at a Kathryn Kuhlman service. She also wrote a book titled "Spiritual Nuggets: A Collection of Life Essays."
Ida enjoyed spreading the word of Jesus and visiting the sick and shut-in, praying for them and making flower arrangements for their enjoyment. She volunteered as a candy-striper in local hospitals.
Ida had a love for her family and enjoyed spending time with her sisters and brother. They gathered together for more than 40 years celebrating Christmas and her birthday.
Mother Ida is survived by her sons, Philip L. Esther Tharpe and Thad Tharpe III, both of Youngstown; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Nellie Harris, Ruby (Lee Vaughn) Toney and Delores (James) Simmons, all of Youngstown; and a host of nieces, nephews, spiritual sons, daughters and dear friends.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Thad Tharpe Jr.; daughter, Dionne P. Eldridge; grandsons, Duane Eldridge and Ben Tharpe; granddaughter, Tasheda Duck; parents, James and Lucy Thorpe Sr.; sister, Mary Grace; and brother, James Thorpe Jr.
Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at J.E. Washington Funeral Home, 2234 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44511.
(special notice)