Dr. SOPHIE SUE PRATHER

         Dr. Sophie Sue Prather, devoted Christian, loving mother, grandmother, sister, educator, friend, cook, gardener, and community servant was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 29, 2022.

         Sophie Sue Prather, the youngest of four children, was born to Doris Mildred Moore Prather and Argie Dean Prather on Friday, January 23, 1948.

         Sophie Sue received her formative education in the McNairy County Public School System. She attended and graduated from the former McNairy County High School in 1965 earning the honor of Valedictorian of her class. She began her undergraduate educational training at Lane College, in Jackson, Tennessee, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969. Later, she pursued further educational training in graduate studies, earning a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision and an Educational Doctorate (Ed.D) in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee.

         Dr. Prather began her 40+ year career in the early 1970s as a teacher in the Milwaukee Public School System. She returned to her home in Selmer, Tennessee in 1977 to work for the McNairy County School System as a teacher in the Special Education Department at McNairy Central High School. Between 1993 and 1995 she worked with youth at the Timber Springs Youth Center in Bolivar, Tennessee. In 1995 she returned to the McNairy County School System where in July of 1998 she was named Director of the Special Education Department and served in that capacity until her retirement in 2014.

         Throughout her career, Dr. Prather was affiliated with Special Olympics, the Tennessee Education Association, the National Education Association, Council for Exceptional Children, Tennessee Southwest Council on Children and Youth, and the Phi Delta Kappa Association--organizations that strive to help, encourage and connect teachers and students across the nation.

         “Sophie” or “Sue” as she was commonly known, professed Christ as her Savior at an early age and became a lifetime member of Roach Chapel United Methodist Church in Selmer, Tennessee.

         Sue had a great love for crafts, decorating, quilting, reading, and cooking. She especially enjoyed sitting on her porch when weather permitted, enjoying the nature that surrounded her and reading a good book.

         Dr. Prather was preceded in death by her parents, Doris and Argie Prather and two brothers Argie Jr., and Jonas Allen. She leaves to cherish her memory, a loving daughter, Kimberly; a grandson, Xavier; a devoted sister, Mable; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, teachers, former students, and friends. To them she leaves her great spirit of service and dedication. Even this light still glows, illuminating a quiet path to happiness for all who safely follow...follow...follow...follow.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that family and friends find a service or cause that helps, encourages, and supports special needs students such as the Special Olympics, Easterseals, Autism Society of America, Goodwill Industries, etc.

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