In a sad coincidence, just as I posted an article mentioning Eber Lathum and his wife Freeda, I discovered that Freeda died this past Tuesday, 4 September 2012. Here is her obituary, which was published yesterday in The Sikeston Standard Democrat:

Freeda Lathum Parker

MATTHEWS — Freeda Lathum Parker, 87, died Sept. 4, 2012, at Golden Living Center in New Madrid.

She was born March 24, 1925, in Rambo Community of Leslie, Ark., daughter of the late James Avery and Callie Faye (Raines) King. She had been a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Sikeston since May 16, 1971.

She was married to Eber Lathum, and he preceded her in death. She later married William Parker, and he preceded her in death.

One daughter, Maggie Irwin, also preceded her in death.

She has five sons, Jerry (Cheryl) Lathum, Tommy (Daphne) Lathum, Teddy (Debbie) Lathum, James Franklin Lathum and Herbert Dale (Renee) Lathum; two daughters, Peggy (Melvin) Seiler and Deanna (Mike) Fansler; six brothers, Dwight, DeLight, Rufus, Doyle, Lowell and James; five sisters, Alcie Elliott, Radie Young, Lavina Craig, Dolly Mae Baker and Annabelle Treece; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. Friday at Ponder Funeral Home, followed by graveside services at 11:30 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston. The Rev. Jason Redden, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church of Sikeston, will officiate.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Mike Seiler, Richard Seiler, T.J. Lathum, Matt Irwin, Kendrick Lathum and Johnny Powell.

Online condolences may be sent at www.ponderfuneralhome.com.

Source

Sikeston Standard Democrat, “Freeda Lathum Parker,” published on Thursday, 6 September 2012. Retrieved on 7 September 2012.