Mary L. Lathan

Mary was born in DeBerry, Texas to J.L. Perkins and Julia Thomas.  She entered eternal rest in Phoenix, Arizona under Hospice of the Valley home-care after a brief illness.

At an early age, she accepted Christ and was a member of the Baptist church in Hobbs, NM.  In the sixties, she became a member of the Church of God In Christ under the leadership of the late Reverend E.C. Cox.  She later joined Joylight under Superintendent Claude Bell and remained a member until her death.

Mary worked for the State of New Mexico Health and Human Services Division in SE Albuquerque for more than 30 years.  Prior to her joining the State, she worked at JCPenny and the Spudnut donut shop.  Realizing the value of education, she went on to attain her GED and complete college courses at TVI.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ben Lathan, sister Arva Marie, brother LaFoster, grandsons Sentel Foster and Anthony Neloms. 

Mary is survived by her three children Ray White, Patricia Lathan, Rita Morgan and Brenda Perkins.  She leaves to cherish her memories, two sisters Betty Perkins Walker and Norva Verwulst; grandsons Timothy White and Keishon Arguello; great-grandson Anthony Neloms Jr.; plus a host of cousins and the many friends who in some way were touched by her spirit.