Dan Ethel Latham

Born on April 10, 1943, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Dan Ethel Latham was the fourth child born to the union of Jonas and Helen Patterson Caldwell. She graduated from Rosa A. Temple High School in Vicksburg, MS. and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Alcorn State University where pledged Alph Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In 1979, she earned a Master of Science in Education degree from Indiana University Northwest.

On May 30, 1969, she married the love of her life, Freddie Latham, and the couple later moved to Gary, Indiana, where they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. She devoted more than 30 years to teaching in the Gary Public School Corporation, faithfully serving the students- most especially her beloved kindergartners at Duncan Elementary School. Her gentle spirit, patience, and nurturing heart left a lasting imprint on generations of children.

She accepted Christ at an early age and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. She was a devoted member of First Church of God in Gary, where she taught Vacation Bible School and led the Christian Women Connection Ministry for over 20 years, mentoring, encouraging, and uplifting women in faith and fellowship.

Dan Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Rose Ethel Shelby, Rosa Lee Miller, Katie Mae Cooksey, Hattie Rebecca Pierce, Janie Dishmon, and Victoria Thomas; and brother, Clarence Caldwell.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved husband of 56 years, Freddie Latham; her sons, Chauncy Latham and Darian (Lori) Latham; 2 sisters, Minnie Nelson and Helen Caldwell; brother, Jonas (Margaret) Caldwell; her granddaughters, Brittany, Breanna, Jakia and Lauren Latham; her grandsons, Daylen and Lennon Latham; two great-grandsons, Daion Grose and Todd Vaughn; her special friend, Katie Conerly; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, church family, and friends, who will forever hold her in their hearts.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. with Homegoing Services 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. from First Church of God Church 134 East 43rd Ave Gary, Indiana 46409. Interment Ridgelawn Cemetery 4401 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408.

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