Rachel E. Lattimore

Rachel Elizabeth Lattimore, 92, of Ocean Grove, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, at Complete Care at Ocean Grove. Born on October 15, 1932, in Horatio, South Carolina, she was the daughter of Arthur and Bessie (Brooks) Hartwell.

Rachel spent her early years in Columbia, South Carolina, before relocating to Asbury Park, New Jersey, at the age of ten. She received her education in the Asbury Park School System, graduating from Bangs Avenue Elementary School and Asbury Park High School. Rachel furthered her studies at The Brick Township School for Computer Science, which led to a successful career in the electronics industry. Rachel dedicated over 22 years of service to the United States Army Electronics Communications Command for Readiness, where she was honored with numerous distinguished awards prior to her retirement.

On November 21, 1963, Rachel married Thomas Lattimore, who predeceased her. She was a devoted member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she became a vital part of the community under the pastorate of Reverend A. D. Tyson Sr. Rachel contributed her talents to several church initiatives, including the Young Adult Choir, the Usher Board, and the Mattie Graham Woman’s Missionary Society, where she served as treasurer and president for nine years. Additionally, she held the position of church clerk for many years and was an active member of the church’s Renovation Committee. Her leadership extended to roles as class leader and secretary for the Local Lay Organization, as well as Secretary of the Trustee Board. Rachel was also a proud member of the Mid Regional New Jersey Chapter of the Livingston College Alumni Association.

Rachel was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Lattimore, parents, Arthur and Bessie Hartwell, sisters, Thelma Davis and Marian Evains, and her brother, Aaron Hartwell. She also mourned the loss of her nephews, Eugene Hartwell and Richard Evains, nieces, Persephone and Rudy Canzater, great-grandnephew, ZamirAhsaad A. Dunbar, sister-in-law, Laura Hartwell, and godson, William T. Greenhow, Jr.

She is survived by her loving nephew, Donald A. Davis of Neptune City, NJ; first cousins, Phyllis Towler of Smyrna, DE, Leonard Brooks of Jackson, NJ, and Wayne Robinson of Cumberland, RI; as well as her nieces, Gloria Johnson of Jacksonville, FL, and Frances Bennett of Asbury Park, NJ. Additional surviving nephews include Anthony Hartwell (Melinda) of Baltimore, MD, Earl Davis (Cathy) of Asbury Park, NJ, William Davis of Neptune City, NJ, and Ralph Lewis of Wilmington, DE.

Rachel's memory will also be cherished by her sister-in-law, Vernell Hartwell of Asbury Park, her very devoted friend, Mrs. Ruth Stewart, Neptune, NJ, her godson, Dewayne Stewart (Shannon) of
Durham, NC, her bonus daughters, Clarice Brown, Neptune, NJ, and Renee Blackwood (Noel), Neptune, NJ, along with a multitude of nieces, cousins, nephews, and friends.

Rachel E. Lattimore will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her church, and her community. Her legacy of service and love will continue to inspire those who knew her. The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Complete Care at Ocean Grove for their compassionate care and support.

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