Jan. 3, 1946 – July 6, 2025
Martha Smart Prather, a cherished wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and faithful servant of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully in Booneville, Miss., on July 6, 2025, surrounded by many of her family. She was 79.
For more than 60 years, Martha shared a deeply rooted marriage with her husband, JC Prather of Booneville. Their union was one of love, resilience, and shared purpose—especially in their years of ministry together. As a dedicated pastor’s wife, Martha played an essential role in serving their church community with quiet strength, hospitality, and unwavering faith. Later in life, she and JC continued their ministry through mission work across the United States, touching lives in South Texas, Boston, Kansas City, and beyond.
Martha was also deeply involved in the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), a ministry she supported with passion and purpose. For more than 136 years, WMU has helped Southern Baptists fulfill the Great Commission—a mission Martha believed in wholeheartedly. Through WMU, she helped mobilize others to see missions not as an option, but as a calling for every believer. Her leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on those around her.
Martha’s heart was always open—whether in her home, in the church, or on the mission field. She was a nurturing and devoted mother to her two sons, Bret Prather (Stella) of Bryant, Ark., and Bart Prather of Macon, Miss. As a grandmother, she delighted in her three adult grandchildren: Braxton Prather of Indianapolis, Ind.; Addie Prather of Starkville, Miss.; and Branton Prather of Bryant, Ark. They were the joy of her later years, and she poured into them the same love, faith, and warmth that defined her life.
She is also survived by her siblings: Gilford Smart (Jane) and Jerry Smart (Donna) of Jumpertown, Miss.; Mary Sue Perrigo of Rienzi, Miss.; Lynn Corbin (Freddie) of Jumpertown; and Anita Turner (Tommy) of Booneville. Her extended family—including her sisters-in-law, Wanda Raines (Barry) of Foley, Ala., Patsy Smart of Corinth, Miss., and Sharon Smart and Joy Walker (Paul) of Dry Creek, Miss.; nieces, nephews, and cousins—meant the world to her, and she remained a constant, encouraging presence in their lives.
Preceding her in death were her twin brothers, Billy and Bobby Smart; brother-in-law, Jackie Perrigo; sister-in-law Janice Smart, and nephews, Justin Perrigo and Bric Turner.
Martha lived a life of quiet grace, compassion, unwavering devotion, and deep faith. She found joy in simple things—time with family, shared meals, prayerful moments, and serving others. Her legacy is one of love in action, steadfast purpose, and the kind of gentle strength that changes lives in lasting ways.
A service to celebrate Martha’s life will be held at McMillan Funeral Home, 702 W. College Street, Booneville, with Bro. Trey Lambert officiating on Thursday, July 10, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m., and services at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at the Concord Cemetery, 5490 CR 601, Booneville. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to give to the Woman’s Missionary Union Foundation at https://wmufoundation.com, by supporting mission efforts in her name—just as she did, faithfully, for so many years.
