Semones, Latha Howard

Latha Howard Semones, 91, of Virginia Beach, Va., born in New River, Va., September 13, 1919, the first child of Saford Roy Semones and Eva May Semones, passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2011, in his home.

At an early age he started his working life with his father in the lumber business in Pulaski. In the mid 1930s he worked with the Bland County Civilian Conservation Corps until he was called into service with the United States Army. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army 29th Division Signal Corps attached to an infantry division during World War II.

The buildup for the invasion of Normandy proved life changing for Latha. In the South West of England he met his love and war bride of 66 years, Joyce. After the war he had an accomplished career in the U.S. Navy public works at the Naval Base in Norfolk. He retired in 1972 having completed 30 years of service.

A devout Christian, Latha served in spirit and in works during his retirement for Kempsville Presbyterian Church, serving as a handyman helping the church settle into a new building, and as an ordained Deacon and Elder. Latha was an accomplished mechanic and wood worker, he loved working with his hands. He enjoyed the outdoors by hunting, fishing and was an avid golfer.

He is survived by his wife, Miriam Joyce Semones; children, Howard Semones and wife, Cheryl, of Anderson, S.C., Ann Hernandez, of Leesburg, David Semones and his wife, Patricia, of Virginia Beach, and Charles Semones and his wife, Kimberly, of Dumfries; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dale Semones and his wife, Vivian, of Christiansburg, Saford Semones Jr. and his wife, Zollie, of Pulaski, and Jack Jackson and his wife, Alma, of Bland County; and sister, Irene Frost and husband, Stanley, of Pulaski. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Wanda Marie Miles-Shaw, of Virginia Beach; and brothers, Clarence Semones, of Bland County, and Archie Semones and his wife, Dorothy, of Cambria.

A service will be held in celebration and honor of his life 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2011, at Providence Presbyterian Church, 5497 Providence Road, Virginia Beach, Va. 23464.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Providence Presbyterian Church. Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, Va., is handling the arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.altmeyer.com. “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord. Strength, Dedication and Love.” Psalm 31:24