Greensboro School Community Remembers Louise Harkrader Latture

The community gathers in remembrance of Louise Harkrader Latture.

News Summary

The Greensboro school community pays tribute to Louise Harkrader Latture, celebrating her dedication to education, local arts, and community service. With deep roots in Virginia and North Carolina, her remarkable journey inspired many. A memorial service will be held on January 24 to honor her legacy.

Greensboro Remembers a Luminary: Celebrating the Life of Louise Harkrader Latture

Greensboro, NC, is coming together to honor the incredible life of Louise Harkrader Latture, a beloved member of the community who passed away recently. Born in Bristol, Virginia, on October 28, 1926, Louise’s journey was one filled with remarkable achievements and deep connections to her community. She leaves behind a rich legacy that has touched countless lives.

A Journey of Education and Accomplishment

Louise’s early years were spent in Bristol, where she was raised by her parents, Charles Johnston Harkrader and Louise Moorman Harkrader. She excelled academically and graduated from Virginia High School before pursuing higher education at Randolph-Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, VA. Graduating in 1947, Louise was not only an accomplished student but also a proud member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

Expanding her horizons, she delved into journalism at the University of Georgia, an experience that led her to work in the Alumni Office at Georgia Tech and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. However, her heart eventually guided her back to her North Carolina roots, where she became a significant presence in the community.

Community Engagement and Legacy

Louise’s commitment to her community was palpable. She was a charter member of the Border Guild of Bristol, VA-TN, later becoming actively involved with the Junior League of Bristol. With connections through her father, who owned the Bristol Herald Courier and served as a two-term Virginia state senator, Louise had unique insights into community service and leadership.

Highlights of her early life included a thrilling opportunity to meet President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his Oval Office when she was just ten years old. Among her cherished memories was attending President Harry Truman’s Inaugural Ball in 1949, an event that filled her sorority sisters with envy. She married the love of her life, William Edward Latture, in 1955, and together they built a family and contributed richly to their communities.

Life in Greensboro

In 1963, the couple moved to Greensboro, where Louise quickly became immersed in community activities. She joined Christ United Methodist Church in 1964 and was a dedicated member for many years. Louise was active in several local organizations, including the Junior League of Greensboro, the Greensboro Opera Companions, and the Lecture League, to name a few. Her involvement didn’t stop there; she was also part of the Historical Book Club of NC and the Daubers Garden Club.

In 2015, Louise and her husband were recognized as Health Heroes of the Year by a local organization, a testament to their dedication and service to others. They enjoyed memorable travels, particularly with Washington & Lee University’s alumni travel program, and created lasting memories at Litchfield Beach, SC.

A Passion for the Arts and Literature

Louise was not just known for her community service. She had a profound love for the arts and literature. She volunteered as a docent for the Weatherspoon Art Museum and enjoyed cultural excursions, such as taking the Theater Train from Greensboro to New York City for Broadway shows. An avid reader, one of her all-time favorite books was “Look Homeward Angel” by Thomas Wolfe.

A Lasting Legacy

Louise is survived by her husband William Edward Latture, their daughter Sarah Rhea Latture (married to Marvin Veto) and son Richard Garland Latture (married to Beth Hudson Latture). She was a cherished grandmother to Allison Helms King (married to Bobby King), Jackson Latture Helms, and Camille Anne Latture (married to Mike Andrews), as well as a proud great-grandmother to Charles Rupert, Andrew Laurence King, and Rowan Louise Andrews.

A Celebration of Life

A memorial service to celebrate Louise’s life is planned for Friday, January 24, at 2 p.m. in the Richardson Room at Well-Spring, Greensboro. Friends are invited to gather and honor her memory following the service. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Well-Spring Retirement Community for their exceptional care, particularly mentioning companion Virginia Steadmon. Memorial contributions can be made to various local charities including Christ United Methodist Church, Well-Spring Retirement Community, AuthoraCare Collective, or other charities of choice. For those unable to attend, online condolences may be offered through a designated website.

Louise Harkrader Latture’s legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. She made the world a better place, and she will be greatly missed.