Ola Josephine Tipton

Ola Josephine (Jo) Tipton, age 79, passed away on March 31, 2026.

Born on July 25, 1946, to Sarah Jane and James Monroe Goins, Jo came from humble beginnings in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. From an early age, she developed the resilience, strength, and work ethic that would guide her throughout her life.

Josephine built a remarkable career in the demanding industrial manufacturing environment. She began at Firestone in Hopewell, where she worked in the early 1970s until 1982, and continued her career across several major plants in the region. She ultimately broke barriers as the first female lineman for Virginia Power in the Richmond area-an achievement that reflected her determination, toughness, and pioneering spirit.

Outside of her career, Jo was deeply resourceful and devoted to her family. She found joy and self-fulfillment in sewing, yard saling, and canning. Always ensuring her family was cared for and provided for. Her creative spirit shone through her work in painting and pottery, and she also enjoyed playing the organ and piano. In her younger years, she loved to sing and dance, bringing energy and joy to those around her.

Josephine was preceded in death by her husbands, Donald E. Tipton; Ernest Earl Tharp; her youngest son, Teddy Ray Tharp; her granddaughter, Samantha Collins; her parents, James Monroe and Sarah Jane Goins; her brothers, Jerry, Junior, and Hansel Goins; and her sister, Virginia Goins Bennett.

She is survived by her son, Dwayne Tharp (Paige); her sisters, Liz Caison (Chuck), Helen Thornburg (Curtis), Nancy York (CL), and Hazel Thurman; grandchildren, Christian Tharp (Siana), Elizabeth Tharp, Chandler Tharp, and Emma Tharp; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her loving companion, Precious, was truly the joy of her life.

A celebration of Josephine's life will be held on April 12 at 4:00 PM at Luca Italian Restaraunt in Prince George, Virginia.

In lieu of floral arrangements, the family requests that perennials be sent to be planted in her memory-creating a lasting tribute that will allow her to be remembered for years to come.

Josephine will be remembered for her strength, independence, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy will live on in all who knew and loved her, and "to make a long story short", she will be deeply missed.