Lartha S. Massenburg

LATHAM — Lartha S. Massenburg, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026. Born on December 8, 1933, in Aberdeen, Mississippi she was the daughter of the late Charles and Johnnie Ree Sykes.Lartha attended Spelman College and the University of Pennsylvania. She worked as a physical therapist at the VA Hospital in Albany, New York, before leaving her career to raise her daughter.Lartha was known as a proper Southern woman — gracious, kind, hospitable, generous, and often very serious in demeanor. She enjoyed entertaining and cooking for her family and friends, and was always ready to prepare meals for those in need. She became one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1976 and faithfully devoted her life to teaching others about her God, Jehovah, until her passing.

In addition to her parents, Lartha was predeceased by husband, Dr. Gene P. Massenburg; and her brother, Charles Sykes Jr. 

She is survived by her daughter, Melanie (Lynwood Andre) Darden; her granddaughter, Lauren Darden; her sister, Elaine Moye; and a host of nieces and nephews. 

The family extends special thanks to the staff at Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center for the loving care they provided.

Services will be held private at the convenience of the family.