Frances Gaynell Latham, 87, of the Welcome community in Baileyton entered into rest Monday, August 19, 2013, at her residence. She was born May 17, 1926, to Noah and Lula Bell Holmes Ray of the Welcome community. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Latham; a son, Clovis Latham; brothers, Coleman Ray, Arco Ray, Hershel Ray, Cephus Ray; and a sister, Zera Mae Bailey.
Visitation will be at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home tonight August 21, 2013, from 6 to 9. On Thursday, August 22, 2013, the body will be at the church from 1 to 2 p.m. at Welcome Baptist Church in Baileyton with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Officiating the service will be Brother Jerry Lake and Brother Terry Blankenship.
Gaynell is survived by her sisters-in-law, Estelle Ray of Baileyton, Willodean Oden of Priceville and Gaynell Ray of Clay. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great- nieces, great-nephews, and her extended family, employees and former employees of Jack’s Foodland.
Gaynell was a loving, caring, devoted Christian lady who will be missed by many, but by many, she was welcomed into her heavenly home. Gaynell worked for the Hopper/Smith family of Eva for the past 48 years seeing the grocery business thru many decades of change, most recently moving into the current Jack’s Foodland location in Eva where she had recently worked last week at the age of 87. To anybody who knew Gaynell knows she never met a stranger. She loved everyone unconditionally and was a servant to her community, taking food to the shut ins, delivering groceries on her way home to many elderly neighbors, but most of all, she was an inspiration to keep living life to the fullest. Never give up and always do whatever it takes to show Godly love to everyone you meet.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Welcome Baptist Church cemetery fund.
