Thelma Lee Prather

"Grannie" Ms. Prather, 89, died at her home in Lynnfield Place in Selmer, September 13, 2007. She was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Minnie Pearl Moore Richard; her husband, Alford Prather; a daughter, Joyce Prather; and three brothers, Jack, Fred, and Billy Richard.



Surviving Ms. Prather are three daughters, Pat Congiardo and husband Frank of Selmer, Martha Priest and husband Marshall of Boise, Idaho, and Linda Blakely and husband Johnny of Ramer; eight grandchildren, Frankie Congiardo and wife Debra of Adamsville, Mike Congiardo and wife Suzie of Trenton, Ross Blakely and wife Sherri of Adamsville, Lora Lee Sweat and husband Kevin of Selmer, Paula Pessner and husband Ron of Seattle, Washington, Molly Finley and husband Guy of Riegelsville, Pennsylvania, Marshall Priest of Salt Lake City, Utah and Jeremy Blakely and wife Mandy of Ramer; thirteen great grandchildren, Zach and Darby Congiardo, Davis, Maslyn and Will Pessner, Blake, Abbie and Allison Sweat, Mac and Sam Finley, and Hannah, John and Brandon Blakely; a brother Dudley Richard, a sister Laura Griffin, both of Eastview; and a host of nieces and nephews.



Ms. Prather was retired from the restaurant business. She started her career at the Tower Cafe, she also worked at the Dixie Cafe and managed the Southland Restaurant (now known as the Elm's) for many years. She worked the last years prior to her retirement at Leonard's or Pat's Cafe. She was an active member of the Court Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian Church and served as Treasurer of the women's organization. She was a honorary member of the Selmer First Baptist Senior Adult Organization. Ms. Prather was also a member of the Regional Hospital Senior Circle and Ladies Auxiliary, Republican Women's Organization and an avid MCHS basketball fan. She was lovingly known as "Grannie" to all. She loved her family, her church, and her town. She will be missed.