Amazing Grace

Kirby, you will be forever missed.

Oct. 23, 1965 – Sept. 11, 2006

SHELBY — Mr. John Kerby Lathrop, 40, of 105 Cider Drive, died in peace with his family at his bedside on Monday, Sept. 11, 2006.

He was born Oct. 23, 1965, in Florida. He was eight years old when he and his family moved to Franklin. Kerby graduated from Franklin High School in 1984 and continued his studies at Durham Tech. He was a longtime resident of Shelby and a successful and recent owner of North State Dental Lab.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Kris Morrow Lathrop, and their three children, John Keatley, Alex Christine and Jamie Ann; his mother, Dee Vito and husband, Edward, of Shelby; father, John M. Lathrop and wife, Lois, of Franklin; eldest brother, Greg M. Lathrop, wife Judy, and their children of Asheville; twin brother, R. Kerry Lathrop, wife Kimberly and their children of Waynesville; and sister, Amy K. Lathrop of Franklin. He is the beloved son-in-law of Frank and Linda Morrow and Jesse and Barbara Williams of Shelby.

As a member of the Cleveland Community, he met and made many loving friends. He was introduced to the “B.N.O.” boys by his mentor, Joop Bakker and wife, Mary Ann. He was described by many as very artistic and a spiritual and loving father. He was also gifted with a beautiful singing voice and truly loved his church, Mountain Home Primitive Baptist Church, where he was a devout member. He was well attended by the Hospice of Cleveland County.

Memorials: The family has established a college fund with UBS Financial Services. They ask memorial gifts be made to J. Kerby Lathrop Memorial, UBS, 320-1 E. Graham St., Shelby, NC 28150