Lydia Elizabeth Latney was born in Caroline County, Virginia, to Simon and Elizabeth Alsop on October 2, 1924. Lydia accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church. Whenever she was home in Virginia she never failed to attend her home church. She graduated from Central High School in King and Queen County, Virginia. After graduating, she went to New York City and worked for a while.

Lydia returned to Virginia where she married Arthur L. Latney in Sparta, Virginia on August 25,1946. Later they moved to Washington. D.C., and from that union three children were born. She became employed by the Federal Government working for various agencies. Later on, she decided to go to college for Business and Accounting by attending Federal City College (now UDC).

After over 30 yeas of government service, Lydia retired from the department of Housing and Urban Development. She enjoyed retirement and started traveling. Her travels included a trip to Israel where she was baptized in the River Jordon. She was an active member of the Eastern Star and Toastmasters. She was a fashionista, loved the best of everything and was devoted to her family. She was the first person in her family to start bowling and passed her passion for the sport to the rest of her family. To this day, they have continued to enjoy bowling.

She had two brothers, four sisters, a husband and parents who preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her death, her devoted son Ray "Slyy" Latney who cared for her since 2008, 2 other sons, Samuel L. and Rupert "Duce" Latney;6 grandchildren;9 great-grandchildren;2 great-great- grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 21180 Bagby Road , Bowling Green, Virginia 22427. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.