LaTanya Christine Nelson

Latanya was born on December 5, 1964, at University Hospital in Los Angeles, California, to Charlene Andrews and Jim Nelson. She grew up in Compton, California, where she attended McKinley Elementary, Vanguard Middle School, and Centennial High School, later continuing her education at Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LA Trade Tech).

From a young age, Latanya was driven and hardworking. She began her career at Kmart in Torrance, then went on to work for Frito-Lay, delivering throughout Los Angeles. Her dedication and work ethic led her to a long and rewarding career with Los Angeles County Probation, where she served faithfully for 27 years before retiring in May 2021.

Latanya was a woman full of love and light—someone who found joy in the little things and the people around her. She loved going to the horse track on Sundays after church with her son, trying new restaurants, seeing new movies, and spending time with her family and loved ones.

Her kindness, humor, and strength left an everlasting impact on everyone who knew her. She lives on through the cherished memories of her son, Xavier, brother Charles (Karla), sisters Gorgeous, Jeanita, Yvonne, Yvette, Toni and Traci, father Jim(Sara), Aunt Bree, nieces Courtney, Carissa, Christina, and Sarah, nephews Charles II and Lamont II, and a host of cousins including Ade, Taylor, Kendall, Ellie, Raquel, Tyra, Trent, Ty, and Amari.

Though she may no longer walk beside us, her love and spirit will forever live within our hearts.