Robbie Alderman Lathem went home to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ on January 19, 2022. One month earlier, she had celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by family. Robbie was born on December 20, 1931, in Pavo, Georgia, to Robert Brannon Alderman and Gladys Carwee Alderman. The oldest of three children, she was raised in Griffin, Georgia, where the family moved a few years later. Following her marriage to Milton Lathem in 1950, she made her home in Gainesville, Georgia, for 70 years. Last year, she relocated to Covington, Georgia, to be closer to family.
A world traveler, student, and insatiable reader, Robbie possessed both an extraordinary intellect and an endless thirst for knowledge. She shared her passion for the Lord unceasingly as a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, answering the call of ministry throughout her life. Particularly close to her heart were discipleship classes she led in her home, where much laughter was shared and many lives were enriched. Through her Christian book ministry, Robbie gifted hundreds and hundreds of books to others, often from the trunk of her car. For every need, Robbie knew a book that would help (and had a copy on hand). Even the simplest of acts, such as passing out Bibles on the street, packing Christmas Shoeboxes, or writing letters of encouragement to women in prison, demonstrated her Christ-like love. Her life’s desire was for all to come to know Christ.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9
Robbie is preceded in death by her husband, Milton Lathem, her parents, Brannon and Gladys Alderman, and her brother, James (Sonny) Alderman. She is survived by her daughter and son- in-law Margie and Hans VanBrackle; son and daughter-in-law James (Jim) and Leslie Lathem; grandchildren Greta VanBrackle, Anders VanBrackle, James (Jake) Lathem, and Mary Allison Lathem; great-grandchildren Oliver VanBrackle Montes and Violet Lee; sister and brother-in-law Dayle and Davis Johnson; and a vast, deeply cherished circle of close friends and chosen family.
Along with treasured memories of Robbie, those who know and love her will be forever grateful for the writings, poems, and letters she left behind, especially those that displayed the peace of Christ in her heart.
“Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark.” – TENNYSON
This obituary was crafted with love and affection by Robbie’s family.
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