I was browsing the web site of the Sikeston Standard-Democrat today when I came across something that saddened me – an obituary for Genevieve Smith Lathum. In 2011, I corresponded with her husband DJ Lathum via Genevieve’s Facebook account about Stella Graham Martin and Nona Graham Lathum. DJ and Genevieve were very friendly to me and I was pleased to share information with them. My condolences to the Lathum family.
Here is a copy of Genevieve’s obituary:
Genevieve Smith Lathum
Genevieve Smith Lathum, 72, of Eads, TN, died April 16, 2014 at Baptist Memorial Hospital.
She was born May 17, 1941 at Canalou, MO, the daughter of the late Lige and Ella Smith. She attended Canalou High School and was a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University.
Genevieve was the former owner of Sikeston Fabrics and co-owner of Wooten Transports of Memphis. She was a member of Collierville First Assembly of God Church.
On June 8, 1958, she married D. J. Lathum, who survives her as well as her son, Mike Lathum of Eads, TN and her daughter, Brenda Small (Jaime) of Charleston, MO and 3 granddaughters, Catherine Small and Madison and Morgan Lathum, one grandson, James Small, two sisters, Betty Johnson (Bill) and Emily Moore (Doug) both of Sikeston, one brother, Bob Smith (Mary) of Wentzville, MO and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Jo Lathum, and two brothers, Floyd Smith and Donnie Smith.
The family will receive friends Thursday, April 17, from 6-8 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home, Poplar Chapel and Friday, April 18, from 1 p.m. until the service at 2 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, MO, with burial to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Sources
Dignity Memorial. “In Memory of Genevieve Smith Lathum.” Retrieved on Friday, 25 April 2014.
Find A Grave. Genevieve Smith Lathum, Memorial 128066442. Retrieved on Friday, 25 April 2014
Graham Ancestry 
That is very sad to me too, I met them at the Graham Reunion at the South Mtn. Fire House a few years ago. I had invited them to the Watts Reunion but they seemed to think they could not attend because they attended the one we were at and that was enough. I understood and we got to know each other at the Graham Reunion’s. DJ Lathum said he felt he was related to the Watts and of course I understood that and wanted him to feel welcome to check us out. He said he was thankful for what the Watts had done for his family. I told him he fit right in with our family, he had a wonderful heart. As well, as his wife, she was a wonderful lady. I knew then that she was not a well person but never knew her problem.
That is very sad to hear she has passed away, and of course there was no way to let them know how I felt. Thanks so much Byron for finding this notice and placing it on here for us to read.
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