Otis J Latta

Otis Joseph Latta also fondly known as Dad, “Unc”, Troop, Big “O”, Grandpa and Friend, was born on March 19, 1934, in Hillsboro, NC. He was the eldest son of the late Bishop Hubert Otis Latta and the late Sister Elnora Marie Pratt Latta, brother of Alphonso A. Latta and Nancy Marie Latta. He and his family moved to West Virginia where they lived for over 10 years. After which, they relocated to Cleveland, Ohio where Bishop Latta was appointed Pastor of Pentecostal Tabernacle United Holy Church in 1949.

Otis enlisted in the United States Airforce in 1955 and proudly served his country for 8 years. He was stationed in Germany but traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia during his enlistment. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Cleveland where he would later work at General Motors for thirty (30) years until he retired.

He married his beloved Sylvia Elizabeth Avery in 1963 and from that union was born their only child, Teri Elizabeth Latta. He was a loving, devoted father and husband. His marriage to Sylvia lasted 40 (forty) wonderful years before her passing in 2003 after a brief illness.

Otis was a faithful servant to the Lord and loved the United Holiness Church. He proudly professed the church of his late Father any chance he got as he did the in the of name Jesus! He was ordained Deacon in October 2006 and honorably served his community and his church as Deacon Emeritus. He would always lend his wisdom and guidance to everyone, young and old throughout his neighborhood, making sure they knew God and were saved. He won many souls for the Kingdom throughout his life.

He never met a stranger who he didn’t charm. His beautiful smile and his laugh were infectious and would light up the room! Everyone that was fortunate enough to meet, know and love him and be in his presence was truly blessed! He was a great man and will be forever TRULY missed!!

He leaves to cherish his precious memory, daughter Teri Russell (Kenny), grandson Kenneth Russell, Jr., nieces Jacqueline Sims (Charles), Ebony Sims, Tiffany Sims, Charita Mariner, and long-time best friend/brother Willie Walker. A host of loving great nephews and nieces, along with many wonderful friends whom he cherished.