Elmarie Prater, 88, Cottonport

Funeral service for Elmarie Prater of Cottonport will begin at 11:00am on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Salem Baptist Church in Bunkie with Pastor Greg Jackson officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd of the Hill Cemetery in Plaucheville.

Elmarie Prater, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, in Alexandria, LA. 

Those left to cherish her lovely memories are her: 11 daughters: Betty (Jimmy) Prater, Gloria Thomas, Margaret Benjamin, Shirley (Jefferson) Williams, Peggy (Melvin) Eldridge, Susan Prater, Brenda (Donald) Prater, Ethel (Ricky) Hayes, Christie (Bert) Bazert, Maxine Prater, & Linda Prater; 4 sons: Malcolm (Diana) Prater, Jr., Larry Prater, Robert (Cassandra) Prater, & Christopher Prater; and someone special whom she raised as a son, Bill Spruill; 6 sisters: Georgia Washington, Mildred Butler, Mazie Washington, Edna Washington, Marissa Wells, & Maude Washington; 2 brothers: Milbert Washington & James Ray Washington; sister-in-law, Florence Compton; brother-in-law, Jimmy Prater; 64 grandchildren; 175 great-grandchildren; 96 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Malcolm E. Prater, Sr.; parents, Milton & Isaqeena Washington; son, Gerald Prater; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Milton Washington, Edward Washington, Arthur Washington; 2 sisters, Vergie Murray & Henrietta Augustine; a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law.

Visitation will begin at 9:00am until 11:00am on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Salem Baptist Church in Bunkie.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Escude Funeral Home (318-964-2324) 552 Front St. Cottonport, LA 71327.