Frances Joann Latham

Frances "Joann" Latham, widely known as MawMaw, passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by family on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the age of 86.

Services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday February 3, 2026 at Yellow Creek Baptist Church with Dr. John Nixon officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining church cemetery with Magnolia Chapel directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Latham; parents, Jessie Joe and Susie Alma Sexton; brothers Bill Sexton and HP Sexton; sister Ilene Duncan.

Survivors include sister Mattie Sue Lewis; sons Pat Latham (Darlene) and Gene Latham; daughter Donna Tierce (Tracy); grandchildren Bradley Latham (Megan), Jessica Powell (Seth), Patricia Camp (Adam), Robbie Tierce (Haley), Brittney Latham, and Jennifer Washington (Alex); and 10-(soon to be 11!) great-grandchildren.

Joann was born July 30, 1939 in Tuscaloosa, AL. She married Earl in 1960, and throughout their 64 year marriage, the couple raised a large, close-knit family including 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and (soon to be) 11 great-grandchildren. She worked at Bryce for many years and truly loved taking care of others. Her family was her life. When she wasn't taking care of grandchildren or great-grandchildren (and sometimes when she was), she could be found cooking, tending her garden, planting flowers, or tinkering in her yard.

In all that she did, she gave thanks to the Lord. She believed in working hard, letting nothing go to waste, feeding everyone, and keeping socks on babies' feet. She lived a life of action rather than just words, and as in Proverbs 31:31, may she be honored for all that her hands have done.

While we mourn her passing, we praise the Lord that she is resting easy in His arms. What a glorious day that will be when we can see her again.

Pallbearers will be Alex Washington, Seth Powell, Adam Camp, Doug Lewis, Charles Sexton, and Joe Duncan.

Honorary pallbearers include Yellow Creek Baptist Church, ACG Hospice, Dr. Anand Pandey, Dr. William DeBell, Terry and Sheila Grammer.