Jesse “J” Lanzo Tharp

Jesse "J" Lanzo Tharp, age 77, of LaFayette, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha “Bart” Snyder Tharp; daughter, Katie Bryant; son, Lamar Tharp; and parents, Gaskell Tharp and Flora Short Tharp.

Jesse is survived by his daughters, Ronnie Butler and Sunshine (Kody) Thompson; 13 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; brother, William (Anita) Tharp; sister, Jeanette (Johnny Sr.) Stephens; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, June 19, in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with Pastor Wayland Butler officiating.

Interment will take place at Coulter Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Durham, Kyle Tharp, D.J. Bryant, Matt Sipsy, Jason Pendergraft, and Alec Caylor.

A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.