Helen Harpole Latimer, 98, formerly of Philadelphia, MS, passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at The Carrington Care Center in Starkville, MS.

Affectionately named by her grandchildren (NANA), Miss Helen was born on October 14, 1917 to Mattie Lynn Harpole and Jefferson Davis Harpole in Philadelphia, MS. She graduated from Philadelphia High School. She then enrolled at MSCW (Mississippi College for Women), now known as MUW (Mississippi University for Women) in 1928 and in 1932 successfully earned a B.A. Degree in Public School Music. In 1940, she married Robert Bruce Latimer, Sr. of Philadelphia, MS and they remained married for 51 years until his death in 1991. They had one child, Robert Bruce Latimer, Jr. who now lives with his family in Starkville, MS. She was preceded in death by her husband, R. Bruce Latimer, Sr.; parents, Mattie and Jefferson Davis Harpole; brothers, Jeff Harpole, Hugh Harpole; and a sister, Jennie harpole Dees, all of Philadelphia, MS.

At the time of Bruce senior's death, NANA became a 'Special Member' of her son's family by moving into an apartment at Bruce Jr.'s house and lived there for the next 24 years. NANA has resided at the Carrington Care Center in Starkville, MS for the past 5 years due to special needs care.

NANA was a devoted music teacher, teaching piano classes in the Philadelphia City School systems for approximately 36 years. She brought the joy and blessings of music to a wide host of young students during those teaching decades. She was also the organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, MS during this time period. Upon moving to Starkville in 1991, she became the pianist at Grace Presbyterian Church in Starkville for approximately 12 years.

While living in Bruce Jr.'s household, NANA became engaged in every facet of family life, including teaching all three of her grandchildren how to drive a car and her love for a wide variety of music. Her main emphasis as a grandmother and great grandmother was to teach all family members the 'Truth of God's Word' and to pass along the special heritage of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Personal Savior. She continued to do this each day of her life until the Lord called her home this past Wednesday.

NANA is survived by her only child, Robert Bruce Latimer, Jr. and wife Betty; three grandchildren, Chris Latimer, Dan Latimer, and Dr. Allison Gardner. She also leaves behind six great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements consist of a visitation on Sunday, September 25, 2016 starting at 1:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, with a service immediately following in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Oddfellows Cemetery in Starkville.