Thorpe was born in Schoolfield in Danville City, Virginia, USA, on 16 April 1908, to parents Reuben Hensley Hooper (1868–1914) and Mary Ann Pricilla Graves (1875–1959). Some of her siblings included Samantha Kaye Poindexter (1896–1985), Magnolia Cooper (1898–1983), Dorothy Adams (1901–1976), Armonia Hazel Wright (1902–2004), Angela Rodride (1903–1992), and Reuben Hensley Hooper Jr. (1909–1975). She graduated as the Valedictorian of Holbrook Street Presbyterian School and later enrolled at Bluefield State College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in social science as the Salutatorian.

Thorpe taught English at Westmoreland High School from 1933 to 1936, and then continued at John M. Langston High School from 1936 until 1966. On 23 December 1942, she married Reverend Charles M. Thorpe (1885–1963).

Thorpe passed away in Danville, Virginia, USA, on 24 December 2020, at the age of 112 years, 252 days.