Latory Jemison

Latory Bianco Jemison, 39, of Mauldin, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family. Born in Colorado Springs, CO, she was the daughter of Claude and Elois Windham Jemison. An alum of USC-Upstate, she was a Senior Human Resources Processing Specialist in the Greenville County School District.

Above all else, the role she loved more than any other was Mother. Her daughter, Jordan Jemison, and son, Jayden Jemison, were at the center of her world. Latory wanted Jordan and Jayden to know how much they were loved and supported and for them to see that our greatest love is found in Christ Jesus.

A faithful servant of the Lord, Latory was always at the feet of Jesus. We could find her joyfully serving at Mauldin United Methodist Church in children’s Sunday school rooms, volunteering with VBS, actively participating in committee groups, and serving teachers of the preschool and kindergarten programs.

Latory not only served in ministry at her church, but she also served her community. She was a staple in the Mauldin community, supporting her school system and community programs. She was quick to volunteer to help those around her, particularly when her children were involved. Latory was the Greenbrier Elementary School PTA President for several years, was a Mauldin Recreation Cheer Coach, participated in the Mauldin High Adoption program, mentored students, and was an avid stage mom at the Mauldin Cultural Center.

At the age of 36, Latory was diagnosed with colon cancer, but she never lost her faith or positive outlook. She showed the world how to meet the unknown with courage. Her faithfulness inspired others to put their own lives in perspective. She left a legacy of cancer education, encouraging others to get early screenings and to not ignore or dismiss changes in their bodies as mere signs of aging. So that she could get her life-saving message out, humorous T-shirts became her standard attire. Most often her shirts were blue, but she never was. Evidencing the cheeky part of her personality, Latory had her photo taken wearing an “FU Cancer” shirt and shared the photo as part of a national anti-cancer campaign highlighting the importance of clinical trials. Even in the toughest situations, Latory was clear about what she wanted as well as her purpose in life.

While undergoing two and a half years of cancer treatments, she stayed on message: Love God, love family, work hard, and serve others. Her life clearly showed that joy is found in serving others. She kept commitments as much as possible. Two weeks before her passing, she attended the 8:45 church service, supporting her son in his duties as an acolyte. After worship, she taught “her kids” in the MUMC kindergarten/first grade Sunday school class. Even in her final days, she lived with faith and a beautiful smile, fiercely refusing to let the future dictate her present.

Consistently, the needs of others were her highest priority. If volunteers were needed, her hand was up first. If a friend needed a pick-me-up, she knew just the right gift to put a smile on your face and the right message to make you giggle. Her leadership was evident outside of her responsibilities, with an ability to motivate others to be better versions of themselves, showing them that through faith and positivity you can have joy even in the most uncertain times. Her Instagram bio captures her essence well: “Protected by the grace of God, confident, courageous, loving, with a little bit of sass.”

In addition to her parents and two children, left to cherish her memory are her two sisters, Siobhan (Benjamin) Saul and Shakoka Jemison; two nieces, Camilla Styles and Selene McClain; her cousin Crystal Windham, whom she considered a sister; as well as a host of aunts, uncle, cousins, and friends.

A visitation will be held Friday, June 03, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Mauldin United Methodist Church at 1:30 pm with burial to follow in Graceland East Memorial Park.

Thank you to the Cancer Center physicians, nurses, and staff who provided excellent care for Latory.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made directly to her family for the support of Latory’s son and daughter.

To plant a tree in memory of Latory Jemison, please visit our Tribute Store.