Jan was born in Tylertown, Mississippi.

She is a graduate of Tylertown High School and William Carey College.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Jewell Rushing O'Quin, her husband Howard Lathrop, and her sister Lola Diane O'Quin.

She worked as a teacher at Wellington Academy in Orangeburg, SC and worked hard to become a top selling agent at Monumental Insurance Company. She loved her family and was a devout Christian. She was a very positive person. She could just light up a room when she came into it. She had a zest for life and loved bright colorful clothes and accessories. She was a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, cousin, aunt, and friend to many.

She was a longtime member of Northgate Baptist Church, in Orangeburg, SC, and participated in activities at Tylertown Baptist Church.

She is loved and survived by her son, Robin Howard Lathrop and  her grandson, Stephen Alexander Lathrop, both of Orangeburg, SC; her brother James M. O'Quin and his wife, Patricia Dunaway O'Quin; her sister Sharon O'Quin Boshart, and her husband Jackie Boshart. She is also survived by several nephews and a niece and their families.

Final arrangements for Mrs. Lathrop will be handled by Hartman-Hughes Funeral Home. Her life will be remembered by her family in a private graveside service.