Cynthia Shelly (Tharp) Coker

Cynthia “Shelly” Michele (Tharp) Coker
November 7, 1961 – April 13, 2026

Cynthia “Shelly” Michele (Tharp) Coker, age 64, of St. Stephens, Alabama, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, peacefully at her daughter’s home in Lucedale, Mississippi. Born on November 7, 1961, in Lafayette, Indiana, Shelly was strong-willed, outspoken, and set in her ways, but she loved deeply and fiercely. She was creative and talented, enjoying crocheting, cooking, embroidery, and crafting. If she wanted to learn something, she did.
She was known for her big hugs, her laughter, and a personality you did not forget. Shelly loved her family with everything she had. Her love was not always perfect, but it was real, loyal, and unwavering. She shared a faithful and enduring love with her husband, Melvin Earl “Whiskers” Coker Sr.
 

Her faith became an important part of her life, and there is comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Earl “Whiskers” Coker Sr.; her mother, Sharon Kay Messick; her foster parents, Samuel (Sam) and Bea Camp; her siblings, Linda (Ron) Rodriguez and Chuck Tharp; and her great-grandchild, Novy Townsend. 

Shelly is survived by her father, C.W. Tharp Sr.; her sister, Ranee (Bill) Pinson; and her brother, C.W. (Trish) Tharp Jr. She leaves behind her children, Christian “Christi” (Tim) Nichols and William Harley (Michaela) Coker; her stepson, Melvin “Van” (April) Coker Jr.; her grandchildren, SaVannah Coker, Rachel (Darren) Townsend, Charity (Wayne) Havard, Timothy (Laci) Nichols, William Nichols, and Carrlei Nichols; her great-grandchildren, Emma Havard, Fynnleigh Havard, Timberlyn Nichols, Stetson Nichols, Julianne Townsend, James Townsend, and Riley Nichols; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She also carried in her heart the angel babies lost too soon, each one deeply loved, never forgotten, and now safely held in Heaven, where she is reunited with them.

Shelly fought a long, hard battle, and while that battle has ended, she is now at peace and finally home.

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