Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, Clara Lee Prater, 87 years of age, went to be with her Lord on Friday, July 28, 2023, following a brief illness. Her only son, Jerry Leavon Prater, Jr. and his wife, Pamela, were holding Clara as she departed this world.
Clara and her twin sister, Claudia, were born on September 13, 1935, to Howard and Clara Belle (Driskell) Reaves. They were born into a family of five sisters and one brother in Tanner-Williams, Alabama.
Clara was married to Jerry Leavon Prater, Sr., a business owner for over sixty years and the music minister for many local Baptist churches for more than fifty years. Clara and Jerry sang duets of hymns and Southern Gospel songs in many churches during their lengthy ministry. They were married for sixty-four before Jerry’s death in 2014.
Besides her love of Christian music, Clara enjoyed playing dominos. She crocheted many beautiful afghans for family and friends. Her famous fried chicken and banana pudding were the favorites of many.
Clara is survived by her son, Leavon (Pam) and grandsons Trey (Danielle) Prater and their daughters, Kinley, Karrington and Kambree of Mobile, AL; Jeremy Prater (Stephanie) and their daughters, Paige and Savannah of Wylie, TX; Justin Prater (Courtney) and their daughters Layne and Perry of Wylie, TX; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Clara was preceded in death by her mother, Clara Belle (Driskell) and father, Howard Reaves; husband, Jerry Prater, Sr.; sisters Minnie Mae (Roe), Irene (Dees), Jennette Reaves, Eunice (Simmons), Flora Belle (Pierce), twin sister, Claudia (Golden) and brother, Carl Reaves.
Clara often spoke of the anticipated day that she would meet her Savior and be reunited with loved ones who had gone before her. She especially looked forward to seeing the face of her own mother who died the day that Clara and her twin were born.
Visitation will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023, at Indian Springs Baptist Church located at 4241 Lott Road, Eight Mile, Alabama. The funeral service will begin promptly at 11:00. A graveside service will immediately follow at Serenity Memorial Gardens, 8951 Old Pascagoula Road, Theodore, Alabama.
Flowers and condolences may be sent to: Indian Springs Baptist Church, 4241 Lott Rd., Eight Mile, Alabama 36613.
