Sarah Lee Latch

Sarah Lee Latch passed peacefully in her sleep with family at her side to her loving God on March 10, 2017. Born in Gladewater, Texas on October 25, 1932 to O. C. and Hazel Brown their only child. Sarah Latch graduated from Gladewater High School in 1950 where she was salutatorian of her class and a member of the strings department. She was a graduate of Texas State College for Women, now known as Texas Women’s University, with a degree in music education with honors. While attending Texas State College for Women, she was inducted as a member of Sigma Alpha Iota music honorary fraternity, Alpha Chi general scholarship, and Sigma Tau Delta English honorary fraternity. Sarah Latch continued her studies at Stephen F. Austin University where she received her Master’s degrees in Education, Music, and English with honors. Sarah married the love of her life, Louis Ray Latch, on May 30, 1952. The couple moved to Daingerfield to begin their careers and later moved to Longview, Texas. Sarah was a teacher for Daingerfield Independent School District for four years, then became a teacher for Longview Independent School District for six years, and completed her career as a music instructor for Kilgore College for 26 years. Sarah is a member of the Longview First United Methodist Church where she played the piano for the children’s ministry for 52 years. Sarah is a charter member of the Longview Symphony Orchestra where she shared first chair violin with lifelong friend Helen Banister, member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Texas State Music Teachers Association. Sarah was preceded in death by her husband Louis Ray Latch, parents O. C. and Hazel Brown, parents-n-law Joe and Josie Latch. Sarah is survived by son and wife Randall and Jaye Latch of Longview, son and wife Orrin and Bennie Latch of Tyler, granddaughters Christine Latch, Jennifer Latch, and Lauren Castle. The family wants to thank Clairmont Longview, Heart To Heart Hospice, and the staff at Longview First United Methodist Church for their care, love, and prayer for our mother. Visitation will occur at Rader Funeral Home in Longview on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. The funeral service commences Monday, March 13, 2017, 12:00 noon in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church downtown Longview. Burial service will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Longview First United Methodist Church Fine Arts Division.

Sarah Lee Latch

October 25, 1932 - March 10, 2017