Emma Lou Latham, of St.  James, Missouri passed away as a result of a tragic pedestrian accident, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 in Saint James Missouri. She was 32 years of age.

Emma, the daughter of Jim Helms, Sr. and Diane Bower Helms was born December 18, 1992, in New Haven, Missouri.

Emma was united in marriage to Matthew Latham on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Steelville, Missouri.

She is survived by her parents, Jim Helms Sr. of Mexico, Missouri and Diane Bowers Helms of the state of Kansas; her beloved husband, Matthew Latham of St. James, Missouri; one daughter, McKenzie Rose Latham of St. James, Missouri; half brothers, James Helms Jr. of New Haven, Missouri; and Shawn Helms of Shell Knob, Missouri, sister; Edna Tanksley (Matthew) of Owensville, Missouri, half- sisters; Kimberly Kallbrier (Sean) of New Haven, Missouri, and Elisha Stout (Michael) of Villa Ridge, Missouri; Mother and Father- in- Law Debra Latham and father-in-law Jerry Latham SR. Aunt Glenice Shipley; Uncle John Shipley SR.  Cousins; John Shipley JR., Crystal White, Neal White, Namisha White, Nakisha White, Wyatt White, Hailey Cates, Liza Shipley of Edgar Springs. Grandma; Jonie Bauer.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.

Emma was a tomboy at heart. She loved being in the outdoors. She was hard to keep up with in her many outdoor activities. She looking forward to deer season. She loved getting up early, packing her gear, settling in the right spot, and waiting for the big buck to walk through. She often fished Little Prairie Lake between St. James and Rolla, and she was not happy when someone was in her favorite spot. She was always up to running through muddy creeks. Emma, passed away protecting her little daughter. She will always be remembered as a sweet-spirited mother and wife that always gave of herself before others.

A Celebration of Life will be held later at one of her favorite parks. Memorials are suggested to the Jones Funeral Home for funeral expenses.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri