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Carolyn Ann Teel Wharton, 90, of 1564 Peerman School Road, Altavista, died Thursday, August 27, 2026, at her home. She was the wife of Thomas James "Jim" Wharton for 54 years.
She was born June 29, 1936, in Michigan City, a daughter of the late Clark Talmadge Teel and Dorothy Ruth Harris Teel. She was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, and Calvary Baptist Church, Altavista.
Ann Wharton's 40-year career included teaching at Grace College and Liberty University, serving as editor for numerous publications, authoring several books and exploring trends in desktop publishing and photography. In all her activities she remained unwavering in her faith as she engaged the culture. Wharton founded The Liberty Champion, Liberty's student-run newspaper. She was influential in creating Liberty's School of Communication & Creative Arts and implementing new technology in the journalism program. She and her husband were instrumental in supplying the first Mac computer lab so that they could teach graphic design at Liberty University.
She is survived by one son, Thomas J. Wharton Jr., of Haymarket; three daughters: Annette K. Sherwood and her husband, Doug, of Lynchburg; Lisa A. Moore and her husband, Dale, of Altavista; and Shelia K. Leeming and her husband, Rick of, Appomattox; one brother, Jerry Alexander Teel, of Cardiff by the Sea, Calif.; six grandchildren: Athena, Andrea, Drew, Derek, Brooke, Amelia; 13 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Laura Chan; and a brother, Thomas Talmadge Teel.
A funeral service will be conducted at 3:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 31 at Finch & Finch Chapel, Altavista, by Mr. Bruce Devers and the Rev. Dr. Cecil Kramer with interment to follow in Tree of Life Cemetery.
The family received friends from 3 until 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista, and other times at the residence.
The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider The Journalism Department at Liberty University, 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24515; or to Faith Christian Academy, 361 Main St., Hurt, VA 24563.
Carolyn's family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Angela Dawson, her devoted caregiver, for the kindness, compassion, and loving care she provided.
Please visit the online tribute at www.finchandfinchfuneralservice.com to share a memory or send a condolence to the family.
