Kelsey Nicole Latimer, 30, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in her home in Gloucester County.
Kelsey grew up in Mathews County, where she became an incredible athlete who performed in various sports, including, most notably, her role as a defender in the Bay Stars’ travel soccer league. She ran cross country, played soccer and basketball, and was on the crew team at Mathews High School. Notable accolades during her time there: she and her crew team performed so well they had the opportunity to row in the Stotesbury Cup Regatta and the Canadian Henley Regatta, where she and her team took first place. She transferred to Christchurch School in Middlesex County, to finish her high school term, where she was involved in crew, field hockey, basketball, and soccer. She graduated from there in 2011.
After high school, Kelsey attended Radford University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Recreation/Parks and Tourism with a minor in French, and graduating Cum Laude. While at Radford, she was involved in their Outdoor-Adventure program, learning wilderness skills and climbing and caving techniques. This program furthered her love for the outdoors and set her life up for various adventures. She spent a semester abroad in Vichy, France, immersed in French studies at Universite Blaise-Pascal. After high school, Kelsey worked as their safety specialist/accident investigator for Busch Gardens. She also worked as a customer service representative for iFly Indoor Skydiving in Seattle, Wash. In the time leading up to her passing, she was working for her uncle (Ken Latimer), a retired veterinarian, helping him manage his Champion AKC whippet dogs.
Kelsey is survived by her mother, Stacy Baysden (Jere) of Gloucester; her father, Art Latimer (Robyn) of New Kent; sister, Kristy Nefferdorf (Danny) of Southern Pines, N.C.; two nieces, Kayleigh and Ryleigh; one nephew, Danny; grandmother, Linda Gray (GG) of Williamsburg; feline companion, Stella; and a loving bunch of extended family and friends that she made every effort to remain close with.
Kelsey will be remembered for her selfless and adventurous spirit, bright smile, and, most importantly, loving heart.
The family will celebrate her life at Williams Wharf, 1039 Williams Wharf Road, Mathews, on Saturday, April 20, at 2 pm. In memory of our loved one, please consider a contribution to Gloucester Mathews Humane Society, P.O. Box 385, Gloucester, VA 23061, or Critters 4 U Animal Rescue, 6699 Fox Centre Parkway, Gloucester, VA 23061. Services are under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.
