Ms. Bertha Lee Prather Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

A Celebration of Life ~Sister Bertha Lee Prather~ Sister Bertha Prather’s life exemplified the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23. A Time to Be Born Bertha Lee Prather was born April 27, 1929, in Kiblah, Arkansas, to the union of James Evans and Marjorie Smith. She was one of eleven children. A Time to Learn She received her K-12 education from Kiblah High School. She graduated valedictorian of her class. She began working at St. Joseph Hospital in 1960 and retiring in 1990 as Head Supervisor of Environmental Services. Upon her retirement, Winston Prather, her husband, surprised her on her last day at work by greeting her in a chauffeured limousine with dozens of red roses in hand. A Time to Love On April 17, 1952, she married Winston Prather, who was the love of her life. To this union three children were born, Winston R., Cynthia D. and, Jenice J. A Time to Serve Bertha Prather joined Jamison Temple C.M.E Church upon moving to Kansas City, Missouri, She later became a member of St. Stephen Baptist Church in 1976 so she could be in the same church as her beloved husband. Her stewardship at St. Stephen Baptist included membership on the Usher Board, Deaconess Board, Baptist Training Union and Women’s Missionary Society. She was also a Devotional Leader and served by visiting the sick and shut-in, feeding the poor, and overseeing and cooking in the church kitchen. She also participated in various plays at Easter and Christmas. As the devotional leader, she would start by enthusiastically shouting with glee, “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” She regularly visited nursing homes and voluntarily cooked and delivered meals to the elderly. A Time to Depart She departed her life peacefully, on Saturday, September 28 at her home. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Willie D. and Sam; and seven sisters Ione, Ruthie, Tommie Lee, Bonnie Mae, Bennie Mae, Vanera, and Ethel. She leaves to cherish her memory one son, Winston R. Prather; two daughters, Cynthia Prather and Jenice Prather-Kinsey (Reginald Kinsey); grandchildren, Winston Stewart, Ashley Russell (Evan), Robert Stewart, Robert Prather, and; great grandchildren, Avery, DeShawn, and Deon; great great grandchildren, Rylan and Nisir; a sister, Lela Harris of Kiblah, Arkansas; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and many friends. Bertha Prather will be truly missed by so many for her true dedication to Christ, her genuine smile and her love for so many that she met. Funeral services Saturday, October 12, at 11:00am at Watkins Heritage Chapel. Interment Mount Moriah Cemetery. Visitation Saturday 10:00am-11:00am at the chapel.. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Bertha Lee Prather

April 27, 1929 - September 28, 2024