Obituary of Dora Bell Latham

On April 11th 1921, Dora Bell Latham was brought into this world by Albert and Ella Mae Cree. On January 7th 2015, Dora left this earth to be with her eternal Father. During the 93 years in between Dora touched the lives of everyone she met with her nurturing heart and jovial spirit. When Dora married Walter Latham in 1938 a family tree with deep roots was planted. Dora and Walter soon welcomed their first of seven children who each would have several children of their own. Dora and Walter were married 60 years before Walter was called to heaven. When you were around either of them you would leave with a story, a lesson and genuine good feeling about yourself. Few people have that effect on the people around them but Dora and Walter definitely did. For Dora being a Wife, a Mother, a Sister and Grandmother was a full time occupation that was never boring and always a blessing. She attacked each day with a smile or a laugh. Her nature was to nurture and nothing made her happier than having people she loved near. When she wasn’t busying herself in the kitchen or around the house she loved to garden, knit and crochet. But the laugh, her laugh, her giggle was her most identifiable trait. Even when she couldn’t hear what you said she had a laugh and smile waiting. For this reason and many more she will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her. Dora joins in heaven her parents Albert and Ella Mae (Barnard) Cree, husband Walter Latham, daughters Maybelle Smith and Janice Lemons, son Roy Albert, sisters Oma Head, Gladys Wilson, Lula James, Sybil Yocum, Evelyn Smith and grandchildren Darla Grant and Mitchell Plum. Dora will be constantly remembered by her children: Clara and husband Jimmy Wolfe, Tammy Matlock, Donald and wife Becky Latham, and Ronald Latham, grandchildren: Kevin Plum, Shelly Wolfe, Junior Wolfe, Greg Wolfe, Johnny Ray Smith, Jason Latham, Jennifer Nestlerode, Carrie Taylor, Shawn Matlock, Dustin Matlock, Jamie Sams, Ronald Latham and numerous great-grandchildren and relatives. Dora was a special woman. She wore many different hats and wore them well. It’s rare to find a person who can enliven and enlighten a room by their mere presence, but Dora was that person. Tough, strong, compassionate, caring, loving and full of life are just a few words that could summarize her, but none without the others would be entirely true. We will miss her until we see her again laughing, knitting, gardening and teaching next to Jesus. But we are thankful and blessed to know that’s where she is and her pains of loss are no more. Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 13, 2014 at Green Hill Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will begin Sunday from 1-9 pm and will be Monday 9 am until 9 pm.