Family Hour will be held Saturday, July 18, 2020 from 2:00 until 6:00 P.M. at Smith & Gaston Southside Chapel. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 20, 2020 at Noon at Smith & Gaston Southside Chapel with burial in Oakland Cemetery.

Mrs. Willie B. Lathan, daughter of the late James & Ida Burnett, was born on October 13, 1956 in Morris, Alabama. She was educated in the Jefferson County School System & graduated from Mortimer Jordan High School. She had a passion for education & attended Bevill State Community College majoring in Secondary Education. At an early age she professed her faith in Jesus Christ & was dedicated in her walk of faith in Jesus Christ. She grew up on a Farm & loved the agricultural life. Willie was a nature lover & had a genuine love for horses. She was a dedicated transportation driver with the Birmingham City Schools for over 25 years serving the Public Schools in Birmingham, Alabama.

She united in holy matrimony to the late Reverend Zachary Antonio Lathan, Sr. of Flat Hill Baptist Church, her loving husband of over 21 years. This union was blessed with five children: Zachary Antonio Lathan, Jr., Erwin Isaiah Lathan, Isaac Matthew Lathan, Priscilla Renee Lathan, & Rebekah Phoebe Lathan.

She loved going to church and was a GOD fearing, praying woman. She did many great works for people, including family & random strangers. Willie was a leader, giver, and wise beyond her years. As a result of her generous spirit and pleasant personality, she was loved by many. Her Christian life was as beautiful as the flowers she loved so well, and her influence will remain in the lives of all who knew her.

Willie departed her earthly life on July 14, 2020 at University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital in Birmingham, AL. She is preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Zachary A. Lathan, Sr.; brothers, Bobby Burnett, Johnny Burnett, and James E. Burnett; & her sister, Annie Robinson.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children, seventeen grandchildren, sisters, Delowest Clark & Ida Brown, & a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, & co-workers.