On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, Donna Lee Latham found eternal peace and restoration with her Lord. Donna was born on August 29, 1937, at home in Pomeroy, Washington. She grew up in Pomeroy, a small farming community, where she attended Central Christian Church and was baptized at the age of 12 on January 15, 1950. After high school Donna went to Kinman Business School in Spokane, Washington earning her Secretarial Science Degree in 1956. While in business school, she met a young Airman at a local dance and later would marry him (John Latham) on February 1, 1958.
From Pomeroy, Donna and John would move for John’s work to Dyess, Texas, Rapid City, South Dakota, and then settled in Merritt Island, Florida, in 1963, where they would start a family. In 1969 John was recruited by Disney, and in 1972, the family moved to Pine Hills, Florida to be closer to work. They would later move to Clermont, Florida, in 1995 to retire.
Donna was a life-long learner; she valued education and would go back to school in 1973 at Valencia Community College, where she earned her AA in April of 1980. She would continue taking classes whenever she could at UCF, working towards a Business Administration degree. Shortly after earning her AA, Donna would also complete her Real Estate License and begin a successful career with Watson Realty. Donna formed great friendships through this career that would lead to monthly “Teas” that she looked forward to with these ladies for over 25 years.
Donna was a devoted mother and loved her children fiercely; she raised them to be hard workers and to love the Lord. She would support her kids and their passions from dance, scouting, college, to starting a family business. In her retirement, Donna loved being near her kids and grandchildren and being a part of their lives. She had a passion for serving in her Church, traveling, and music. Donna started taking piano lessons in 1996 every week and continued for over 20 years. She would later share this time with both of her grandchildren while they were in school, to introduce them to music and to have a special day with them each week after school. The kids looked forward to this special time alone with grandma, which often ended with a trip to the ice cream shop.
Donna was preceded in death and greeted in Heaven by her devoted husband, John C. Latham of 61 years, her parents, Lester and Eleanor Trescott, and older sister Betty Black (Kirby). She leaves behind her son Michael Latham (Carissa), daughter Nicole Latham-Bechhold (Ronnie), grandson Andrew Latham, granddaughter Samantha Latham, sister Mary May (Sid), her extended family, nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends.
The Funeral Service will be Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 11 am at Highland Funeral Home, 3329 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka, Florida 32073. Graveside will follow the service for the immediate family.