Mr. Anthony Jeron Pharr

Anthony Jeron Pharr was born April 5, 1956 in Gastonia, North Carolina to the late Arthur James
Pharr and Catherine Jackson Pharr. He departed this earthly life on Monday, May 1, 2023 at the
age of 67.
Anthony, affectionately called by his middle name “Jeron” or last name “Pharr” by family and
friends, moved to Charlotte, North Carolina with his family at a young age where he resided in
the University Park Community and created many wonderful memories that included his favorite
activities of basketball and singing at the West Charlotte Recreation Center. He was educated in
Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Schools where he graduated with the Class of 1974 at West
Mecklenburg High School. He attended Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem,
North Carolina where he experienced the joys of college life. Then, he returned home to
Charlotte to marry his true love, his junior high sweetheart, Jenesha. They became the proud
parents of their daughter, Aja, and son, Anthony. As of November 18, 2022, Anthony and
Jenesha were married for 44 years.
In 2018, Anthony retired from Charlotte Area Transit after 17 years of service. He was a natural
with bus passengers due to his easy connection with people, and he would often share many
stories from his daily interactions. Anthony was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church of
Charlotte, North Carolina. As a result of his faith and love for singing, one of his greatest joys
was being a member of the St. Paul Baptist Church Hymn Choir. It was with this choir that he
had the opportunity to lead and participate in songs that he would share within and beyond the
church walls. Not only will his singing be missed, but his family will also miss his wonderful
meals that demonstrated his love for not only cooking, but for those who meant the most to him.
His absolute favorite pastime was spending time with his favorite people: his wife, who was the
sunshine of his life, his children, who he called the best part of him, and his granddaughters, who
were his sweetest gift of all. He shared an extraordinary bond with his son-in-law, who he never
referred to as an in-law but rather son, S.D. or best friend.
Anthony will be deeply missed by his wife, Jenesha Shipman Pharr of the home; his daughter,
Aja Pharr Davis of Charlotte, NC (Shawntez); son, Anthony D. Pharr of Washington, DC;
granddaughters, Ava Joi, Saige Marie, and Sasha Monae; mother, Catherine J. Pharr; sister,
Vanessa P. Gist (John); brother, Malcom A. Pharr (Marsha); mother-in-law, Janie M. Shipman,
brother-in-law, Stephen J. Shipman (Yolonda); niece, Marshelle, and nephews, Eric, Malcolm,
Daymeyun, and Jeremiah, as well as a host of other family members and friends.

Acknowledgments

The family is forever grateful to Deacon Eddie Simmons, St. Paul Baptist Church, for his
invaluable support and surrounding Anthony in love in his last months. Special appreciation also
goes to the Levine & Dickson Hospice at Aldergate for providing phenomenal service and
comfort in his final days and the countless doctors and nurses who provided support throughout
his declining health.

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Poem # 1
Believers

Be not afraid of me ye believers.
I come at all hours.
I am both predictable and cunning.
I take away the pain of the sick.
I show the living suffering.
I see no race, creed, color or religion.

I am constant.
I visit and touch all living things.
But be not afraid ye believers.
I come and others will surely follow.
They will follow the same paths that ye have traveled.
They will think some of the same thoughts and dream like Dreams.

They too may be skeptical.
But they will fear not.
They are true believers.

from Pure, Passionate Personal, A Collection of Poetry from Deep Within written by Malcom A.
Pharr, brother of Anthony Pharr.

Poem # 2
Dear Pop Pop,

We will miss you very much. We already do.
Thank you for always reaching in your pocket to give us candy.
Thank you for telling our parents to give us whatever we want.
We are sad you got sick and had to leave us.
We wish you could have stayed.
But we are happy that you are better now.

We will keep letting our light shine so that you would be proud of us.

You were the best Pop Pop ever.
We love you.
Your Babies,
Ava (age 9)
Saige and Sasha (age 6)

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Flower Bearers
Family Members and Friends

PallBearers
Family Members and Friends