Thera Otelia Latimer Obituary
We are sad to announce that on February 2, 2024, at the age of 102, Thera Latimer (Paducah, Texas) passed away. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
Thera Otelia Latimer entered her heavenly home on February 2, 2024, in Fairview, Texas.
Thera was born March 11, 1921, to Spurgeon Jones Perkins and Lenora T. (Moore) Perkins. The family lived in Delta County, Texas in the early years, then briefly in Hamilton and Lubbock counties before settling in the Delwin community. Thera attended Delwin Rural School and graduated from Valley View Rural High School. She attended Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University).
On August 1, 1942 William Lester Latimer (Billie) and Thera Otelia Perkins were married in the Delwin Methodist Church. To this union they had 4 daughters: Mary Helen, Tommye LaVern, Patricia Gail, and Connie Lynn.
While Thera owned and operated the Dixie Maid in Paducah, Texas, she was known for the friendly service and delicious food she served to customers that she treated like family.
Thera was also known for her love of music. She was multi-talented, playing the rhythm guitar, bass guitar, harmonica, piano, and fiddle. She was also a talented artist, painting many beautiful pictures. She loved playing games including Farkle, dominoes and 42. She played to win!
Thera is survived by three daughters Mary Helen Rekieta and her husband Tom, and their five children Dan (Julie), David (Jammie), Teresa (Larry Norris), Phillip (Angie), Jeanne (Gene Neely).
Tommye Cepica and her husband Marvin and their son Todd (Teri), Jay Cepica-deceased (Dawn). Shannon Cepica, (deceased).
Connie Christopher and her husband Randy and their 5 children: Chris (Shannon), Amy (Stanley Butts), Chanda Smith, Kyle (Brittani), Kely (Kiel).
Patricia Gail Perkins (deceased) and her 2 children Steve (Laurie), and Paul (Julie).
Thera was an amazing grandmother to 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FUMC Memorial Fund in Paducah, Texas or Sanflippo Organization in honor of Chanda Smith at: http://teamsanfilippo.networkforgood.com.
There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Thera's life on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Paducah, Texas.
