Rebecca “Becky” Goodman Latham

Published 2:57 pm Friday, February 7, 2025

Rebecca “Becky” Goodman Latham, aged sixty-five, died at Duke University Hospital on February 3rd, 2025. She passed peacefully after a decade of surviving idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and a double lung transplant.

Becky was born in Atlanta, Georgia. The youngest of her parents’ four children, the six moved around North Carolina before settling in Greenville, NC. After meeting the one and only love of her life—Seth or David, depending on how you knew him—she settled in Belhaven, NC and made it home for the last forty years of her life. They raised three children in Belhaven and were nourished by the love and care of their small town that continued to be such a vital support at the end of her life.

Becky spent her career at Southern Bank with a beloved and close-knit team. Her job duties there were secondary to her role as a trusted ear to the entire Belhaven community, and Becky relished in building close relationships and having fun with her co-workers. Many will remember her brightness and warmth behind the bar at Fish Hooks, where her smile and playful sense of humor charmed everyone who pulled up a chair.

Above all, Becky is remembered for her vivid personality. A truly charismatic woman, Becky remained eternally optimistic, bringing a kind and welcoming face to anyone she spoke with. Her deep love for her family shined—whether she was belting out a song with her sister Elise, doting on her three children, or at the end, reveling in her role as Bebe to her “sweet angel” grandson Louis. There was nowhere Becky would rather be than surrounded by her family—especially if it was on the beach at Emerald Isle.

Becky is preceded in death by her parents Charles and JoAnne, her brothers Randy and Jeff, and her husband of twenty-four years, Seth David. She is survived by her sister Elise (spouse Ricky) children Rachel, Austin (spouse Leanne), JoAnna, her grandson Louis, and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Those that knew her will carry Becky in their hearts, and strive to share the optimism and love that she so freely offered the world.

If you wish to donate please go to Duke Health in support of the Lung Transplant Director’s Fund. Please mail checks to Duke Health Development; ATTN: Jillian Ream, Box 90581 Durham NC 27708; or visit www.gifts.duke.edu/dukehealth to make a secure gift online.

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service is honored to assist the Latham Family.