Willie B. Hyde Prather, 100, died on November 1, 2026. She was born on November 29, 1925, in the family farmhouse in Elm Grove, Texas, to William Blakley and Ottie Lee Sutton Hyde. She was one of 10 children.
She worked at Sears, Roebuck and Co. before marrying G.W. “Dub” Prather. They were married for 52 years and helped establish Pleasant Oaks Baptist Church where he served as its first pastor. They also served at Rose Hill Baptist Church in Mineola. After his passing in 1998, she moved to Seagoville and became a member of New Haven Baptist Church.
Her grandchildren spent much of their childhood in her home and some lived with her at different times. She was gentle and loving and never raised her voice. She loved the Lord and read her Bible every day.
She lived at Seagoville Senior Living for 20 years where she enjoyed her independence, friendships and an active social life. She and her quilting group made quilts for nursing home residents. In August of 2024 she moved to Mabank Nursing Home and became part of another extended family, loving those who cared for her and receiving that same love in return.
Mrs. Prather is survived by her sister, Helen Panter of Emory; sister-in-law, Wynelle Hyde of Canton; eight grandchildren, Mark Morris and wife Valerie of Fountain Inn, SC, Scott Prather of Crandall, Todd Morris and wife Tanya of Traskwood, Ark., Amy Barber and husband Brandon of Tool, Texas, Kelly Prather of Emory, April B. Emig and husband Kam of Emory, Amber Montes, and Garry Prather Jr. and wife Ashlee of Emory; great-grandchildren, Madison Morris, Catherine Ivy and husband Aaron, Jackson, Lawson and Eden Morris, Breanna Barber, Brittyn Barber, Erin Emig, Emma Darst and husband Bailey, Evan Emig, Kaden, Kameron, Kyndel and Kynzie Montes, Garry Prather III and Gracelynn Prather; great-great-grandchildren, Georgia B. Henderson, Saylem Emig and Bobbi Ann Darst; daughters-in-law, Paula Prather of Emory, and Barbara Prather of Combine; her adopted daughter, Kathy Ryer of Garland; and her daughter-in-love, Cindy McKinney of Crandall; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, dear friends, and extended family members whose lives were touched by her love and presence.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Willie B. Hyde Prather Memorial Endowment Fund, established to honor her love of family and provide lasting support for the annual Hyde Family Reunion, a tradition she held so dear. Contributions may be sent via Zelle to 214-926-6126. Please include ‘B Memorial’ in the payment memo.