Mamie Virginia Blankenship Prater

McMinnville, TN resident and DeKalb County (Belk Community) native Mamie Virginia Blankenship Prater, age 91, was born February 29, 1932, a Leap-Year baby, and died October 16, 2023 following a short illness.

A homemaker and member of Keltonburg Church of Christ, Mrs. Prater was also the Valedictorian of Dekalb County High School Class of 1950. She was married to the late Eugene Nathaniel Prater on September 1, 1950, and they were five months away from celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary at the time of his death. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, James Bertland and Willie Ann Ray Blankenship; brothers, Edwin Blankenship and J.B. Blankenship; sister, Audine Dotson and grandson, Robert Dunn.

Mrs. Prater is survived by son, Mark (Paula) Prater of McMinnville, TN; daughters Carmella Prater of McMinnville, TN, Mary Jane Prater of McMinnville, TN, and Rebecca (Anthony) Campbell of Rock Island, TN; eleven grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Carolyn Adcock for her unfailing devotion to their mother for sending her a letter every week for the last several years. They would also like to thank Caris Hospice for their care. Mrs. Prater devoted her life to her family, the farm and helping others.

Graveside service and interment will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Webb Cemetery at Bluff Springs with Teddy Jones officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at High’s.

Online Condolences may be made online at www.highfuneralhome.com

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.