Ruby Lee Prater

Mrs. Ruby Lee Prater peacefully transitioned to be with her Heavenly Father the morning of May 25 with her daughter Ruby Jean Prater by her side. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and caregivers during the last days of her life. 
 

Mrs. Ruby Lee Prater was born February 17, 1932 in Attalla, AL to the late L.M. Thomas and Ora Leonard Thomas. 
 

She confessed faith in Christ at an early age and united with Mount Zion Baptist Church, Attalla and later joined St. John C.M.E. Church in Gadsden. 
 

After graduating from Carver High School in 1950, she attended Alabama A & M University in Huntsville receiving her Bachelor of Science degree. She started her teaching career with the Piedmont City School System, later employed by the Gadsden City School System, Gadsden State Technical Institute, Etowah County School System, retiring with 30 years of service from the Gadsden City School System. 
 

During her years of public service, she found time to participate in community and civic organizations. She served as secretary of the Disque Middle School PTA, member of the Alabama Education Association, served on the executive board of MINACT INC., a national job training firm, member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and member of the Lambda Eta Omega Chapter of Gadsden. As a member of St. John C.M.E. Church, she served on the stewardess board. 
 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Eugene Ned Prater, her son Clifford Prater, and a sister Jeanette Cole. 
 

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: her daughter, Ruby Jean Prater of Gadsden, AL; three nephews, Lester (Theresa) Crowder, Gadsden, AL, Edward B. Cole, Atlanta, Ga, and David Prater, Jr.; one niece, Valencia (Edwin) Battles, Fairbanks, AK; cousins, Walter (Yvonne) Beard, Chattanooga, TN; Linda Beard, Rodrick (Patricia) Ferguson, Gadsden, AL, Oscar Lee Ferguson, and Bobby Ferguson. Special dear friend, Marynette Watson and special family friend, Larry Marbury; and a host of other relatives and friends. 
 

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