Evelyn Zelene Latner

Evelyn Zelene Fuqua Latner, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on August 13, 2025, six weeks shy of her 95th birthday. Born October 2, 1930, in Brewton, Alabama, she was the youngest of eleven children of John Thomas Fuqua and Bama Foster Fuqua. Evelyn was the last surviving child of her family, whose roots ran deep in faith, hard work, and love for one another.
On April 28, 1948, Evelyn married the love of her life, Ralph Rudolph Latner of Umatilla, Florida. She cherished her role as a devoted wife for nearly 59 years, building a home with Ralph that was filled with laughter, music, and enduring devotion. Together, they were blessed with three children: Evelyn Louise, Robert Wayne, and Ronald Hugh (deceased). Evelyn treasured her family above all, pouring her love into each generation with quiet strength and a tender heart.
She found joy in life's simple treasures: tending camellias, savoring greens from the garden, enjoying sweets of every kind, and always keeping vanilla ice cream close at hand. Music was woven into her spirit-swing music, country favorites like Tennessee Ernie Ford, and the crooning of Andy Williams. She especially loved to waltz and jitterbug with Ralph, though she often said she "couldn't dance." One of their favorite songs together was "In the Mood," a melody that now carries on as a reminder of their love.
Evelyn loved the beach, attending football and basketball games, and the warmth of family gatherings. She was raised in the quiet countryside, grounded by the values of family, faith, and perseverance that shaped her journey.
Evelyn is survived by her children, Evelyn Louise (Craig) and Robert Wayne; her grandchildren, Chad (Leesa) Polley, Brian Polley, Shane, Robbie, Ryan, Roxanne, Blake Latner, Ashleigh Dickson, and Emily (Alex)Andone and her great-grandchildren, Devin, Gage, Shea, Libby, Layla, Noelle, Ian, Ethan, Emma, Eleora and Lorenzo.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, who passed away on March 12, 2007, and her son, Ronnie, who passed away August 17, 1991.
Her family will remember her as a woman of grace, resilience, and quiet joy-someone who lived fully, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy that will endure for generations. Evelyn's life was a beautiful reflection of love's lasting strength, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A service will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St Andrews Episcopal Church in Tampa Florida designated for the Gabriel Tree Project.