Julia Kathryn M. Prater

Prater, Julia Kathryn M. – age 87, of Knoxville, passed peacefully from her home into the presence of her Lord Jesus Christ, on January 26, 2011. Kathryn is remembered as a long time member of her beloved church, Concord Presbyterian. She loved to read and was a member-of several book clubs. She invested much of her time after the death of her husband in the lives of her children's children and their children. She leaves a legacy of love and service and faith. Never able to ignore a need in her church or community or family, she remained active until she became homebound relatively recently. After attending Carson Newman College, she followed her new husband to flight school in Ft Worth, TX where he became a bomber pilot in WWII When Willis Prater was sent overseas, Kathryn returned to her parents' home with their new baby and helped in the rearing of her sisters' children and her own. After the war she and her husband built their first home with the help of their own fathers. Later the couple moved to Oak Ridge where Willis worked in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and then to Knoxville when the family outgrew housing available in Oak Ridge. Kathryn stayed active in the education of her children; always volunteering in classes and serving often times as a leader in the various PTOs. She had many large gardens with her husband and helped him run a cattle farm in the 1960's. She played Bridge, entertained friends in her home and was passionate about current events and politics; even serving in many political campaigns. She was an excellent seamstress and a talented homemaker. Kathryn is preceded in death by her late husband Willis K. Prater and survived by her four children; Lynn P Sisson of Staunton, VA, William K. Prater of Oak Ridge, TN, Elaine P. Craig of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Martha P. Craig of Knoxville, TN. She also had nine grandchildren; Deborah Polte, Amanda Baucom, Heather Craig, Rachel Craig, John J. Craig, Adair P. Bolton, Jacob R. Prater, Lindsay Craig, and Zachary Craig. Great grandchildren include; John Baucom, Olivia Baucom, William Bolton, John Craig, and Adaiah Bolton. While able to remain in her own home throughout her somewhat protracted decline, Kathryn received excellent care from some very special people. These include Bernadette Yoakum, Tammy Peebles, beloved niece Margaret Hill, and the friends and staff of Blount Memorial Hospice well as others too numerous to name. For the love and service of these caring individuals our family is forever grateful. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm Saturday at Concord Presbyterian Church with Rev. David Webster and Chaplain Ann Brunger officiating, and following the service the family will receive friends at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Blount Memorial Hospice Foundation, 1095 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com

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Julia Kathryn M. Prater

March 16, 1923 - January 26, 2011