Mary Ellen Thorp

Oxford—

 Mary Ellen Thorp, age 87, died peacefully at home on June 11, 2022. She was born on February 22, 1935, to her late parents, Edward Bruce Williams and Ethel Phillips Williams in Greene County, North Carolina. 

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Henry N. Thorp Jr.; her children, Ellen Thorp Haulsee (Scott) Pinehurst N.C., Norman Thorp (Mary) Oxford, N.C., and Gregory Thorp of the home.

Four grandchildren, Taylor Haulsee (Katie), Graham Haulsee, Laura Haulsee, and David Thorp. She is also survived by her brother, Edward Bruce Williams Jr. and several nieces and nephews.

Mary Ellen graduated from now, East Carolina University, where she majored in Business Education and minored in Music. She moved to Oxford with the encouragement of her friend, Ann Hester Jenkins to teach at Oxford High School. At the time, she was barely older than her students. She lived at Miss Sue Bryan’s, who provided lodging to new teachers.

Mary Ellen met her husband, Henry, on a blind date, arranged by one of her students. They were married on April 17, 1960. She continued to teach in the Granville County school system until her retirement. She taught a generation of young people business skills such as bookkeeping, short hand, and typing. For many years, she served as the advisor for Future Business Leaders of America, Junior Marshalls JF Webb High School and served as graduation coordinator. She was a joyful member of the Red Hat Club, officer of the Delta Kappa Gamma and was a true East Carolina Pirates fan.

Mary Ellen was an accomplished musician and served as choir director, organist, and pianist for 49 years as a devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Mary Ellen raised three children while working full time and managing Turkey Hill Farm in a home filled with music.

Her family gives their special thanks to her excellent caregivers. They provided years of love and support. Because of their care she was able to spend her later years at home. Further thanks is given to Duke Hospice.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 11:30 am at Trinity United Methodist Church and will be officiated by Reverend Jack Ruth and Pastor Denny Freeland. Visitation for family and friends will be held 10:00am-11:30am in the Fellowship Hall at the Church. Burial to follow the service at the Thorp Family Cemetery.  

Flowers are welcomed or memorials can be made in her memory to the Trinity United Methodist Church General Fund—6543 Goshen Rd. Oxford, N.C. 27565

The Thorp family is being proudly served by Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home, Oxford, NC. Online Memorials: https://www.gnvfuneralhome.com/