Thelma Prater

Thelma Prater

1939 ~ 2024

The family of Thelma Ruth Prater are mourning her passing on Thursday, October 24, 2024. She was 85 years young.

Thelma Ruth Prater, the daughter of the late Raymond Babe Shepherd and Louisa Hicks was born at Pyramid in Floyd County Kentucky on May 13, 1939. Thelma was schooled in Floyd County.

Thelma met the love of her life, Billie Joe Prater while riding in the backseat of a yellow convertible. She had on a light blue blouse and her smile stole Bill’s heart. They were married on June 20, 1957, and had a wonderful love filled life together.

She is survived by her husband Billie Joe and together Billie Joe and Thelma had three daughters: Sharon Prater Hambrick (Mike), the late Jacqueline Prater, and Tina Prater Ward (Terrance). They had one granddaughter, their pride and joy, Sarah Ruth Strong (Isaac). Thelma had four brothers, the late Arnold E. Shepherd (Suzy), the late Alton Moore (Irene), the late Calvin Shepherd (Pam) and Charles R. Shepherd, two sisters Wanda Wicker (Melvin) and Bonnie Shortridge (Larry) and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

In Thelma’s last days here on earth, God sent two wonderful caregivers, Clevie Thompson and Tammy Pinkerman. They took such great care of her and were with Thelma and her family during Thelma’s Going Home. They were not just caregivers; they are family too.

Thelma was a STRONG person. She was a homemaker, who made sure every person who came into her home was fed and fed good. Being a homemaker also allowed her to be active in her daughters’ lives as a homeroom mother, PTA President, Band mom and the list continues.

She was a devoted Christian, Wife, Mother, Mamaw, Aunt and Friend. She was a true example of a Hospitable Southern Christian Lady. She was even known as the Chicken Dumpling Lady to some, and she wore that title with pride.

Thelma was a 50-year member of Rush OES #546. She was a Past Worthy Matron of Rush, Deputy Grand Matron of District #4, Grand Representative to Montana and served on many committees. She also served many active roles in the Masonic Philanthropy Family.

Thelma will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. She instilled the love of Jesus Christ, her personal Lord and Savior, the love of family, friends, cooking and giving to others in everyone that she met.

 In lieu of flowers, for her love of children and not standing a child to do without their needs, donations may be made in Thelma’s honor to your local school’s FRYSC.

There are no services at this time.

It was her wish to be cremated, and her ashes combined with Billie Joe’s and placed in the crypt at the KY Veteran’s Cemetery NE at a later date.

Wright’s Funeral Home in Greenup, KY. has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.wrightsfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thelma Prater, please visit our floral store.