Carolyn Pearson Prather
(December 24, 2014)
Carolyn Pearson Prather died Christmas Eve after a long bout with Alzheimer’s Disease and a totally unexpected massive heart attack. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends as she struggled.
Her living children came from all over Texas and one from Florida. She was deeply loved by all her children and her loving husband: Major General Gerald Prather; her son: Dean Prather and wife Kendra, Daughters: Jerri Lynn Riggs and husband Kevin, and Angela Prather. Her grandchildren are Tracy and Les McCracken, Shane Prather, Tabitha Robinson and husband Joey, Megan Prather, Julie McClelland and husband Collin, and Pearson and Mitchell Riggs. She has 12 Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister: Virginia “Billie” West. She loved them all and they loved her. She is now uniting in Heaven with her parents: Allen V. and Rhea Pearson, her sister: Nancy Newman, and her son: Bryan Prather.
Carolyn was born in Ashville, N.C. and moved to Texas in the 3rd grade. All through high school at Del Rio High, she was well known, active, and super popular. She was a class officer, voted class favorite, a cheerleader, and always involved. She attended the University of Texas for almost two years until she left because of an illness. She loved cokes and potato chips and movies at the Highway 90 Drive-In Theater with friends.
She married a young pilot from Laughlin AFB, Major General Gerry Prather and was a great partner for him in their career in the U.S. Air Force. She travelled all over the U.S. and Europe while he was in Germany, and she became the “General’s Lady” to Gerry and led her four children to be active members of the communities of Del Rio and all around the U.S. with over 27 moves in the Air Force. She was strong in her Christian faith and was extra-active in St. James Episcopal Church. She was especially active in visiting “shut-in’s” who could not get to church.
About twenty years ago, she started a ladies Bible Study in Del Rio and with a dear friend, she helped make a difference in their lives. The study group is still active. Carolyn was also active in Del Rio. She was Executive Secretary for our United Way organization and for 10 years, she helped raise money for those in need. She was also the secretary for the Combined Federal Campaign and coordinated that charity as well. She supported the Military Affairs Association, the Del Rio Lions Club, Laughlin AFB Officers Spouses, and other community organizations.
Carolyn was popular, unassuming, and intelligent. All she came in contact with had kind words for her. She was quite talented—oil painting, water colors, knitting, sewing, and on and on. She was an awesome wife and mother, an awesome grandmother, and was loved by all and by her family especially, and they called her “Nana”.
We wish Nana a joyful stay with Jesus.
Visitation will be on Monday, December 29, 2014 from 5-9pm with family receiving friends from 5-7pm.
Funeral service will be on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church followed with burial at Westlawn Cemetery. The family will be hosting a reception at the Ramada Inn Ballroom for family and friends following the interment.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial can be made to St. James Episcopal Church P.O. Box 1034 Del Rio TX 78840 or to VVRMC Hospice, 801 Bedell Del Rio, TX 78840.