Dreta A. Latham

Dreta Agnes Townsend Latham passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023.  Visitation will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 2:50 pm at Bethlehem Baptist Church, in Forkville, MS, with the Funeral following at 3:00 PM.  Officiating the service will be Bro. Jacob King and Bro. Don Wilson.  Burial will follow at Bethlehem Baptist Church. 

Dreta was born January 16, 1937, in Carthage, MS, to her parents DeQuency Townsend and Corrie Mae Thompson Townsend.   Dreta met the Love of her life, Sonny Latham and they were married on December 7, 1953.  They were stationed at Fort Lenard Wood, Missouri, for several months during the Korean Conflict.  After his service years they returned to Mississippi and lived in Lena, Morton, and finally in Forkville since 1969. 

Dreta was preceded in death by her parents, DeQuency and Corrie Mae Townsend, Husband Sonny Latham, Sisters, Maxine Little (Clyde), Billie Joe Turner (Walter) and Elizabeth Cartledge (Gene), Brother Jr. Townsend (Irene) and Sister-in-law, Dorothy Jean Latham.  She is survived by her sons Henry (Kathy Shaw) Latham of Ridgeland, MS; Jon (Theresa) Latham of Forkville; daughters, Julie (Richard) Latham, Lena, MS; and Jean (Terrell) Harvey, Kalem, MS; Grandchildren: Terran King, Ashleigh Rommerdale, Elizabeth Phillips, Deanna Dumas, Alicia Elliott, Erik Latham, Tracy Latham, Andrew Latham, Allison Harrell, Anna Hamilton, Max Harvey.  Great Grandchildren: Jacob King, Blake King, Anna Claire Dickerson, Chandler Dickerson, Railey Rommerdale, Madison Phillips, Kailyn Phillips, Parker Dumas, Radain Dumas, Emma Sue Dumas, Jaxson Elliott, Lexi Elliott, Ashlynn Elliott, Noah Harvey, Aubree Harvey, Saylor Harvey, Katiana Hayman, Ally Tyce Earls, Tell Hamilton, Willow Hamilton, Caroline Latham, Stella Latham, Eli Latham, and Mason Harrell. 

Dreta was a Christian from an early age and trusted in Christ her entire life.  She worked in the WMU for many years and was Church Treasurer at Bethlehem Baptist for over 30 years. 

Dreta drove a School bus for the Morton School System, worked in Cafeteria, was a Teacher Assistant for many years before she ran the Post Office in Forkville.  Many will remember her transporting them to sporting events.  Dreta was known for her love of the Game of Bridge and had many fun hours playing with family and friends.  If there were four people in the house, there would be a game of bridge shortly thereafter and MANY laughs to follow.  Also, she loved to cook for her family and friends.  Her divinity was “Heavenly”.  She was an excellent seamstress.  On the Softball field she was better known as “Boss”. 

Pall Bearers will be Andrew Latham, Chris Harrell, Erik Latham, Jason Elliott, Max Harvey, Bill Nutt, and Will Hamilton. Honorary Pall Bearers are Mac Baker, Dale Cauldill, Justin Rogers, Jerry George, Cody Phillips, Chad Rommerdale, Curtis Dumas, Gregg Klemm, David Crum, Cecil Jones, and Gerald Woods. 

Dreta believed in helping others.  In Lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Kalem Community Church to support the building of a building to house Brittany’s Closet which is a giveaway Ministry. 

Ott and Lee Funeral Home of Morton, MS is proud to serve The Latham Family.