Alma R. Latten

September 10, 1923 - October 23, 2016

The relatives and friends of Mrs. Alma R. Latten and those of her husband the late Mr. Ae Dee Latten are invited to attend her funeral service 11:00 am Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Morris Brown AME Church, 13 Morris St. Rev. Dr. C.R. Watkins, Jr. is the pastor. Entombment following at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation for Mrs. Latten is at the church Friday 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The family hour begins at 7:00 pm. She is survived by her sons, Ae Dee (Tina) Latten, II and Vincent (Elaine) Latten; daughters, Olivia Latten and Debra Jones; 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren a host of other relatives and friends. Alma R. Latten was born in Moncks Corner South Carolina on September 10,1923 to the late David and Louise D Reid. She was succeeded in death by her husband Ae Dee and two brothers David II and Clifford Reid. Alma received her early education from Avery Normal Institute. In 1943 she married her husband, Ae Dee Latten. She continued her education and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education form South Carolina State in 1957 and her Master’s Degree in 1958 in principal certification. A devoted mother, Alma R. Latten was the proud parents of four children-,sons Ae Dee II( Tina) and Vincent ( Elaine); daughters Olivia Latten and Debra Jones. Additionally, she has 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. With a foundation in education, her main profession was in elementary education which she taught for 42 years. She planned and conducted workshops for elementary school children. She taught in various cities and schools during her career including Bethune Elementary, Liberty Hill Elementary and Morningside Elementary and Middle Schools. She retired in 1982 from Morningside Elementary Middle School. She devoted her spare time to community service. She volunteered with a number of organizations including March of Dimes: A board member for Jenkins Orphanage, YMCA of Greater Charleston, Inc. Charleston Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Ins (President, 1988-1990: Delta of the Year, 1981-1982) and a Golden Life member: as well as her church, Morris Brown AME Church. She was a member for nearly 70 years. She was always willing to volunteer for any worthy cause. Her motivation and dedication is clearly evident with her work with the Order of Eastern Star. As Grand Supervisory Deputy of District No.2 Order of Eastern Star, Alma R. Latten oversaw 54 chapters and developed 3 more chapters during her tenure. By 2004 she realized the success of her leadership and witness the growth of her district to 57 chapter and approximately 4,000 members. Further, she has had multiple leadership position in the Arabian Court 128, Daughters of Isis, Oasis of Charleston, Desert of South Carolina which includes Deputy of the Isiserettes, Past Commandress, and Honorary Past Imperial Commandress. She served as president of the Daniel Joseph Jenkins Institute for Children Board of Director for three term and was President Emeritus. Alma embodied the spirit of service and giving. She gave tirelessly of her time. Her love for children was evident by the many years she devoted to Jenkins Orphanage and teaching at the daycare at Morris Brown AME. She loved welcoming her former students into her home, Alma had a fundamental love of reading. Her hobbies included cooking and baking for others. She crotched her signature afghans and scarfs which were her pride and joy. Her love of travel took her to numerous destinations her favorite being Alaska and Hawaii. The family will receive visitors at 3361 Dowling St. North Charleston SC