Jonnie Routh

(In memory of Jonnie Tharpe Routh—mother, grandmother, and friend … this special remembrance is shared with all of the "friends" who were loved by Jonnie, and loved her in return) When I failed to see the virtues of hard work and toil, I looked at my mother. When I nurtured my greed and failed to see the rewards of compassion and generosity, I looked to my mother. When I settled for tears and became deaf to the healing hymn of laughter and joy, I looked to my mother. When obstacles and pitfalls surrounded me and I sought my refuge in despair rather than hope, I looked to my mother. When I looked for a savior and saw Jesus only in books and in frames on a wall, I looked to my mother. And now, as I seek courage and faith in the face of death, I look inside myself, where mother … and Jesus … reside. * * * Jonnie Tharpe Routh of Climax, age 87, died Thursday, March 4, 2021, at Moses H. Cone Hospital in Greensboro, N.C. Mrs. Routh is preceded in death by her father and mother, John M. Tharpe and Mattie Kitchens, her husband of 60 years, Wesley O. Routh, her brother Pierce Thorpe, and her sister Elizabeth Tharpe Jennings. Mrs. Routh is survived by her son Mark Routh and his wife Lynn of Randleman; son Tim Routh and his wife Sandy of Archdale; and son Todd Routh and his wife Karen of Climax. Beloved grandchildren are Kelly, Jake, and Mattie; Beau and Nicole; and Hunter. Family, friends, and loved ones may honor Mrs. Routh with their presence at a Lie in Repose at Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman on Tuesday, March 9, from noon until 5 p.m. The grave-side service will be held Wednesday, March 10, at 2:00 in Randolph Memorial Park in Asheboro, with Pastor Andy Garner officiating. Memorials may be made to the Asheboro Cancer Center, 373 N. Fayetteville St., Asheboro, NC 27203. * * * (As we all continue to steadfastly strive to meet life's, and death's, challenges, with humility, grace, perseverance, and the greatest of them all, love, we look to our mothers.)