Lola Mae Hensley Latimer

Lola Mae Hensley Latimer, 97, of Baytown was born April 13, 1910 in Dorchester, TX to Belle Alice and James Porter Hensley. Lola Mae passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at the St. James House of Baytown under the care of Regency Hospice. Lola Mae was a resident of St. James since 1995. She was a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandparent.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 71 years, John Franklin Latimer, Sr.; sisters, Marie Crouch and Mildred Edmondson; and brothers, Leon Hensley, Lester Hensley, and Barney Hensley. Lola Mae is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Kay Patricia and Buddy Shipp of Mont Belvieu and Sharon and Greg Perkins of Cupertino, CA; son and daughter-in-law, Frank, Jr. and Linda Latimer of Lufkin; grandchildren, John and Sharon Shipp of Baytown and Joan and Michael Istre of Houston; great grandchildren, Dallas Shipp and Kourtney and Justin Mangum, all of College Station and Amanda Istre and Bradley Istre, both of Houston; numerous nieces and nephews; and her special friends and caregivers at St. James House.

Lola Mae was a 1928 graduate of Dennison High School. During the 1940’s she worked for Sherwin-Williams Paint in Dallas as the credit manager. She was always a very active, loving parent to her children. She served as a homeroom parent, band parent, and she often baked goods for school and church functions. Lola Mae fearlessly traveled many miles with Kay, Sharon, and Frank, Jr. to “meet the ship” bringing Frank, Sr. home from his world travels as a Merchant Marine and Seafarer.

The early married years for Lola Mae and Frank took them to live in Baton Rouge, LA, Dallas, and Garrison. The Latimer’s lived a full and happy life in Garrison for over sixty years. Lola Mae was a very active member of First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and served on numerous church committees. She was a wonderful cook and provided many Sunday dinners for the church pastor and visiting evangelists. Lola Mae was loved by many. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. After Lola Mae and Frank moved to Baytown in 1992, she became a member of Baytown’s Cedar Bayou Baptist Church. While a resident of St. James House, she faithfully attended services at the St. James House Episcopal Chapel.

Lola Mae was an avid reader, talented seamstress, dedicated homemaker, and devout Christian. She openly shared her beliefs and her faith. Lola Mae was also renown for her talents as a wonderful cook, treating her family and friends to pies, cakes, and delicious meals.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 1, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Navarre Funeral Home in Baytown. Graveside services will be held Friday, November 2, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Garrison with Rev. John McGuire officating.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. James House of Baytown, 5800 W. Baker Rd., Baytown, TX 77520, Regency Hospice, 1610 James Bowie Dr., #A105, Baytown, TX 77520, or the charity of your choice.

Honorary pallbearers will be Buddy Shipp, Frank Latimer, Jr., Greg Perkins, Michael Istre, John Shipp, Dallas Shipp, Bradley Istre, and Justin Mangum.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521, (281) 422-8111.