Latina Smith

1925 - 2020

August 14, 1925 - August 28, 2020
Latina Smith, of Plainview, passed away on Friday August 28, 2020. Visitation will be at Kornerstone Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday August 31. A graveside service will be held at Morton Memorial Cemetery on Tuesday September 1 at 11 a.m. in Morton, Texas.
Latina Laverne Whitwell was born on August 14, 1925, in Donley County, Texas to Thomas Ollie and Sarah Emmeline Whitwell. The youngest of four children, Latina grew up with a love of the great outdoors and reading. She knew the value of hard work and education; utilizing both from an early age. A tenant farmer's daughter, she started her educational journey with time sacrificed to pick cotton and assist in the family's livelihood. A testament to her parents' dedication and her own strong spirit, she overcame the time away and persisted with her studies to rise to the top of her class. She graduated valedictorian from Quail Consolidated School in 1944.
Upon graduation, Latina lived in Dumas, Texas and worked at The Cactus Ordinance Works war plant, faithfully and passionately joining the movement to support her country's war efforts. While in Dumas, she lived with her sister-in-law, Marie, and her two nieces building bonds and forming a close connection to last a lifetime. After completing her time with The Cactus Ordinance Works, Latina was employed by Southwestern Public Service in the accounting department, igniting an accounting passion which led her to pursue CPA correspondence courses.
In 1951, she married Morton J. Smith Jr. and they bought a farm in Cochran County, which they named Dusty Acres. Together, they worked the land hand-in-hand and pursued their dreams while raising cotton, cattle, grain, and kids. They fully enjoyed the great outdoors - farming, riding horses, and camping. The days were long and the work was challenging but they thrived as a team and started a true legacy of faith and family.
After the sudden passing of her husband, Latina went to work for the Cochran County/ District Clerk. She served as a Deputy Clerk for more than 13 years assisting with land deeds, court proceedings, and elections. Upon her retirement, Latina relocated to Plainview, Texas.
Latina pursued many interests and titles throughout her life, including farming, horseback riding, fishing, gardening, camping, hiking, 4-H Adult Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, collecting quotes, playing with her grandchildren, and sharing joy. She was devoted to her family and cherished all the time she could spend with them. A patriotic citizen, Latina loved America and prayed for the future of the land she loved.
Latina was a dedicated member of the Church of Christ in Morton, Texas and later 9th and Columbia Church of Christ in Plainview. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life she shared with all who entered her home. Her love of God shone through her words of wisdom, tasty food, and bright smile. To know her was to learn from the wisdom of the past shared through quotes and scriptures.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, her sister Opal Whitwell Reed, brother Alton Orben Whitwell, brother and sister in law, Odell and Marie Whitwell, and her husband.
She is survived by her children: Morton J. Smith III and wife Wilma of Alpine, Emlea S. Chanslor of Cheyanne, Wyoming, Mary True and husband Mark of Plainview; and her grandchildren Emlea L. Chanslor and husband Nathan Lynch of Austin, Sarah Howard and husband Carey of Austin, Jennifer Hickam and husband Todd of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Kaitlyn Miller and husband Markus of Emporia, Kansas, and Kristen Steph and husband Jacob of Justin. She also is blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Madison Loth and husband Brandon of Lubbock, Ashtyn Hickam of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Brice Melugin of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Zachary Hickam of Amarillo, Mitchell Melugin of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Liliana Lynch of Austin, Rileigh Miller and Markus Miller III of Emporia, Kansas, and Aspen Steph of Justin. She is also survived by her nieces Laura Aldrich and husband Sam of Dumas, and Donna Stephenson and husband Randy of Pampa.